İŞKUR on-the-job training program refers to programs organized to help unemployed individuals registered with the institution gain professional experience and receive practical training. The trainee can find the workplace for on-the-job training themselves or ask the institution to locate a suitable workplace. Employers may also recruit candidates directly or request İŞKUR to provide participant candidates for them.
Applications for these programs can be made through İŞKUR. Registered unemployed individuals can adapt to a work environment and gain vocational experience in their chosen field. The range of training programs available is broad.
What Are the Requirements to Participate in İŞKUR’s On-the-Job Training Program?
The conditions to benefit from on-the-job training programs are listed below:
- You must be registered as unemployed with İŞKUR.
- You must be at least 15 years old.
- You must not be a first- or second-degree relative of the employer.
- Retirees are not eligible to participate in on-the-job training programs.
- You must not have been employed by the employer who applied for the program within the three months prior to the program start.
- No long-term social security premium payments should have been made in the month preceding the start of the program.
- You must not have already benefited from employment and vocational counseling services for the same placement.
What Documents Are Required From the Employer for an İŞKUR On-the-Job Training Application?
The documents requested from the employer for on-the-job training program applications are as follows:
- A written request petition.
- An employer commitment statement.
- A preliminary application form.
- Documents that demonstrate the employer’s legal status depending on the employer type, such as a trade registry gazette, foundation charter, association bylaws, registration documents of the chamber or union where the center is located, or notarized copies.
- Documentation showing the number of insured employees in the last three months.
- A document proving the signature authority of the employer or the employer’s authorized representative.
How Long Does the İŞKUR On-the-Job Training Program Last?
The duration of the on-the-job training program varies by sector. Daily training can range from 5 to 8 hours, and training is provided up to 6 days per week. Weekly training hours are not to exceed 45 hours.
Duration of on-the-job training by sector is as follows:
- For workplaces and professions in the information technology and manufacturing sectors, the program lasts 6 months.
- In professions related to journalism, the training period can extend up to 9 months.
- For particularly hazardous occupations, the training duration is set to be no less than the minimum duration specified in the Ministry of National Education’s Lifelong Learning modules.
- For professions such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, game development specialist, and coding, the maximum duration is 9 months. These programs are open to young people aged 18–29.
- For other sectors, the on-the-job training program is set at a maximum of 3 months.
Which Expenses Are Covered in İŞKUR On-the-Job Training Programs?
Expenses covered under İŞKUR on-the-job training programs include the following:
- Participants receive a daily allowance to cover essential expenses. This amount is 77.70 TL per day. For students the amount is 58.27 TL per day, and for those receiving unemployment benefits it is 38.85 TL per day. For programs focused on future-oriented occupations, the daily payment is 85 TL.
- Occupational accident and disease insurance premiums are covered.
- General health insurance premium costs are paid.
- Women participating in on-the-job training in the industrial sector who have dependent children aged 2 to 5 are eligible for a monthly 400 TL childcare support payment.
Where and When Can You Apply for the İŞKUR On-the-Job Training Program?
Those wishing to apply for İŞKUR on-the-job training can apply at the Provincial Directorates of Labour and Employment Agency or at local service centers. İŞKUR operates in all 81 provinces. There is no fixed application period; applications can be submitted at any time.
Who Cannot Participate in İŞKUR On-the-Job Training Programs?
- First- and second-degree relatives of the employer,
- Those who left the workplace within the last three months,
- Individuals who are currently registered with SGK, retirees, and active workers cannot participate in the program.
Who Pays the Participant’s Allowance?
- İŞKUR pays the participant a daily pocket allowance at the rate determined each year.
- For 30 days, occupational accident and disease insurance premiums and general health insurance premiums are paid by İŞKUR.
- The participant may optionally be insured during the program.
- The employer has no obligation to pay wages, though they may choose to provide additional pay.
- İŞKUR pays the on-the-job training allowances collectively at the end of each month during the course.
Employer Social Security Premium Incentive for On-the-Job Training Graduates
For those who complete on-the-job training and are aged over 18 but under 29, if they are employed in the same occupation within 30 days or at most 3 months after completing the program:
- In the manufacturing industry, the employer’s share of the social security premium is covered for 42 months.
- In other sectors, the employer’s share is covered for 30 months.
The employer’s paid SGK contribution is covered by the Unemployment Insurance Fund.
Is There an Obligation to Employ Trainees?
There is no mandatory employment requirement in the program. However, if an employer wishes to benefit from the program again within one year, they must have employed at least 50% of previous participants and retained them for at least 120 days in the same occupation at the same or another workplace.
If the employer fails to meet this obligation, there is no financial penalty; rather, the employer is suspended from participating in the program for one year.
Can Participants Leave the Program at Any Time?
Participants who wish to leave the İŞKUR on-the-job training program must submit a written petition to request withdrawal.
Which Professions Are Available in the İŞKUR On-the-Job Training Program?
The program includes many professions such as photography, hairdressing, business management, graphic design, and others.
How to Apply for the İŞKUR On-the-Job Training Program?
Applications can be made through İŞKUR’s e-branch (e-şube) online service.
Are Insurance Contributions Paid After the On-the-Job Training Program?
To encourage employers who hire program participants, a portion of the insured person’s social security premiums is covered when an employer hires someone who took part in the İŞKUR on-the-job training program.