Under a cooperation protocol signed between the Ministry of National Education, Yıldız Technical University, and the Istanbul Chamber of Industry, the İSOV Dinçkök Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School has transitioned to a comprehensive educational model that combines industrial and academic expertise. YTÜ’s experience at the Maçka Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School served as a model for the İSOV Dinçkök Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School.

A Vocational Education Cooperation Protocol was signed between the Ministry of National Education (MEB), Yıldız Technical University (YTÜ), and the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (İSO).

The signing ceremony held at the İstanbul Chamber of Industry Foundation (İSOV) Dinçkök YTÜ Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, the signing ceremony was attended by Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, YTÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, İSO Board Chairman Erdal Bahçıvan, Istanbul Provincial Director of National Education Murat Mücahit Yentür, and YTÜ Yıldız Technopark General Manager Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammet Garip.

Under the agreement, the school’s name was updated to İSOV Dinçkök YTÜ Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, and the school attained the status of an Educational Institution Implementing Special Programs and Projects.

The Maçka MTAL model has been transferred to İSOV Dinçkök

Yıldız Technical University has taken the successful model it launched with YTÜ Maçka Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School—aimed at integrating public institutions, universities, and technology parks in vocational education—a step further through a new protocol. The academic approach implemented at Maçka MTAL—which integrates students into the R&D, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystem at an early stage—has been integrated into the İSOV Dinçkök YTÜ MTAL by combining with İSO’s industrial vision. The knowledge base and operational success achieved through the steps taken in Maçka four years ago form the cornerstone of the new model.

Academic support and industry application combined 

At the school, which has 528 students and 55 teachers, a five-year educational program—including an English preparatory class—will be implemented starting with the new academic year. In addition to existing fields such as Electrical and Electronic Technology and Industrial Autonomous Technologies, the school aims to establish an Artificial Intelligence department to address the industry’s next-generation needs. While students acquire theoretical knowledge through a curriculum supported by university faculty, they will also gain hands-on experience through internships and on-the-job training at ISO member companies, YTÜ laboratories, and firms within the YTÜ Yıldız Technopark, directly engaging with the industry’s practical processes.

Minister Tekin: A Common Ground for Collaboration

Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin noted that they are striving to establish legal frameworks with all stakeholders in the field, emphasizing that the strength of the transformation process in vocational education stems from these collaborations.

Minister Tekin said:

"As the Ministry of National Education, we are striving to establish legal frameworks that allow us to collaborate with anyone willing to work with us on the ground. The project school initiative launched in 2014 laid the foundation for today’s robust structures. We have begun providing financial support to our students during on-the-job training to support the children attending the school where we jointly developed the program."

Rector Debik: We’ve Raised the Bar with ISO

YTÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, meanwhile, highlighted the strategic importance the university places on public-private partnerships, noting the critical role vocational high schools play in cultivating qualified human resources.

Debik said, "Previously, it was only a public-university collaboration. Now, by bringing our chamber of industry into the mix, we will ensure our students grow up in close collaboration with both industry and the university."

ISO Board Chairman Bahçıvan: "Turkey’s production capacity only makes sense when combined with its well-educated youth"

ISO Board Chairman Erdal Bahçıvan also highlighted the value of investments in vocational education for Turkey’s competitive strength, stating that the shared vision being established will elevate the education ecosystem to international standards.

"Turkey’s production capacity only makes sense when combined with well-trained and well-educated youth," said Bahçıvan, adding:

"God willing, very soon this school will become the school of choice for students with the highest scores in Turkey’s high school education system—a school they are eager to begin their education at."

The protocol was recorded as a significant step concretizing the integration of the public sector, academia, and industry within Turkey’s vocational education vision.