With the additional US$500,000 contribution from the Republic of Korea, UNDP will further support access to decent and sustainable jobs, and strengthen Türkiye’s renewable energy sector

The Republic of Korea, in its continued commitment to humanitarian aid and sustainable development, has extended further support to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Türkiye through a generous new contribution of US$500,000. This funding will underpin the second phase of the “Increasing Employability for Syrian Refugees and Turkish Host Communities in the Renewable Energy Sector Project”, following the successful completion of the initial five-year phase, which was also funded by the Republic of Korea.

This second phase of the initiative builds on the significant progress made, addressing the pressing need to enhance the vocational skills of both Syrians under Temporary Protection and Turkish citizens in the renewable energy sector.

Over the course of the project, 1,875 participants have been trained across a range of crucial technical areas, including the maintenance, repair, and installation of renewable energy systems. The training sessions have been held in 11 centers spread across 10 provinces: Istanbul, Konya, Kocaeli, Bursa, Mersin, Hatay, Şanlıurfa, Gaziantep, Mardin, and Izmir. The initiative also strengthened the renewable energy education infrastructure of the education centers. 11 renewable energy labs including wind turbines, solar panels, 3D printers, CNC machines, invertors, occupational safety material and consumables were installed in the vocational technical high schools in 10 provinces. 11 public education centers (PECs) were supported with the procurement of computers for courses, and solar energy systems were installed to 4 PECs. Blended course content including learning management system, online learning tools and the course book have been developed and added to the national education infrastructure. The project focused on the earthquake-affected region in 2023 and 2024, therefore 75 to 80 percent of all activities were realized in the earthquake region. 

With the newly allocated funds, the project will enter a 14-month implementation period with an expanded focus. The core objective remains to boost employability among Syrians and Turkish host community members, this time with a particular emphasis on developing comprehensive training materials and assessments to address the evolving needs of the renewable energy industry. Additionally, the project will integrate the graduate lists into the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR) database, facilitating the smooth transition of trained individuals into the labor market. By aligning the project’s training outcomes with İŞKUR’s job-seeker platform, the initiative aims to increase the chances of trainees securing decent and sustainable jobs in the renewable energy sector.

The project is poised to continue its pivotal role in enhancing Türkiye’s renewable energy sector. By developing and refining curricula that reflect the latest industry trends, as well as fostering greater cooperation among private sector stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and relevant government agencies, the initiative is set to reinforce the nation’s capacity to meet its renewable energy goals. This integrated approach will also serve to improve collaboration across all sectors, creating a more robust and future-proof workforce.

The ultimate goal of the project is to foster proactive and efficient employment opportunities for both Syrians and Turkish citizens. This will be achieved through targeted, multi-dimensional training programs designed to equip participants with the technical and soft skills needed to thrive in the renewable energy sector. The project also introduces specialized initiatives, including a Mentorship Program, an Awareness Raising Program, additional Soft Skill Courses, and dedicated Education and Employment Support for female trainees. These components aim to address the unique challenges faced by women in the workforce, ensuring their full participation in the growing renewable energy sector.

Through its comprehensive approach, this second phase of the project promises to make a lasting impact, not only by enhancing employability but also by contributing to the broader sustainable development goals of Türkiye and the region. By providing the tools, training, and support necessary for a successful transition into the workforce, the project plays a vital role in building a more inclusive and resilient society.