The job market is considered the central element in the process of vocational education and training, and is predominantly the ultimate reference for education and training operations. Numerous studies have emphasized the utmost importance of the role of the job market in developing and enhancing the outcomes of vocational education and training. In many programs and projects, the job market has been actively involved in various activities, providing guidance towards the necessary skills and, at times, establishing committees for professions where employers play an active role. The consistent factor across all these aspects is the necessity of the job market's presence at all stages of training, not only through consultation and guidance but also by considering it as an integral part of the training process.

This is precisely what institutions implementing work-based learning have achieved, particularly vocational apprenticeships starting from the vocational education and training institution. There has been a qualitative shift in involving the job market in the vocational education and training process, beginning before the start of the training cycle, during the training, and after its completion. This section will discuss the role of the job market before, during, and after the vocational education and training cycle.

Role of the Job Market in Vocational Education and Training

1. Role of the Job Market Before the Start of the Vocational Education and Training Cycle

The role of the job market before the commencement of the vocational education and training cycle includes:

• Familiarization with the vocational education and training institution, its systems, and various services.
• Establishing partnerships between employers and the vocational education and training institution through agreements on collaboration, documented in memoranda of understanding or agreements outlining roles and responsibilities.
• Participating in identifying training needs and providing developmental requirements for professions.
• Collaborating on curriculum development within the institution for the specialized profession.
• Participating in any structures that enhance partnership with the institution, such as professional committees, friends of the profession committees, or committees for graduates, involving employers in an active role.
• Emphasizing the necessity of the job market's presence during all training stages, treating it not merely as consultation and guidance but as an integral part of the training process.

1. Role of the Job Market During Training within Vocational Education and Training Institutions

The role of the job market extends beyond field training when students enter the institution. It contributes significantly to enhancing mutual benefits between the parties:

• Providing feedback to the institution through visits to training workshops, observing work processes, and evaluating exercises for students, offering suggestions for improvement.
• Supplying the institution with developmental suggestions related to equipment, tools, curriculum, required modern skills, and expected developments in the profession.
• Delivering educational or training sessions within the institution on modern technology used in the respective field.
• Holding meetings with students to discuss required skills in the profession, future career prospects, and opportunities available in the job market after graduation, forming a crucial part of guidance within the institution.
• Hosting students and trainers during field visits to your workplace, explaining production lines, products, market standards, equipment, and new programs.

Employers can benefit from the institution through:

• Requesting participation in developmental courses offered by the institution for you or your employees.
• Participating in seminars or lectures on modern technological aspects.
• Seeking qualification of your employees through systematic and certified training.

1. Role of Employers During Workplace Training in Collaboration with the Job Market and Through Commitments:

The job market provides suitable training based on agreed-upon skill plans, covering technical, professional, technological, personal skills, and various work-related attitudes needed for the trainee's future employment. Direct collaboration occurs during this stage with the responsible trainer from the vocational education and training institution, and necessary forms are filled out.

During this stage, it is ensured that the trainee acquires the agreed-upon skills in the work environment:

• Imparting technical skills specific to the profession.
• Teaching skills related to materials, tools, and processes (e.g., from measurement to installation, diagnosis to maintenance, or from design to production).
• Instilling life skills and employability skills, including communication, teamwork, and others.
• Shaping socially recognized behavioral attitudes to ensure the success of the trainee in their future work.
• Cultivating professional work habits beneficial for their future career.
• Instilling professional values and ethics through practical field experience and professional self-growth.
• Teaching skills related to technological developments in the profession.
• Equipping students with necessary skills for record-keeping or accounting (depending on the profession and required tasks).

Records and evaluation forms are utilized during training, with continuous updates to the skills plan based on professional developments before commencing the training. An agreement is signed between the institution, the employer, and the trainee, clarifying the roles of all parties involved.

For more information, you can refer to the material "How to Become a Skilled Professional – Trainee Guide" in the Interactive Library.

4. Role of the Job Market After Completion of Training:

The role of the job market extends beyond the training process, where employers can offer assistance, support, and encouragement to the student to help them complete their professional journey. The employer can assist in every stage of professional development, allowing the student to achieve their goals. This assistance includes:

• Hiring the trainee if there is a need for professionals in your field.
• Collaborating with them by assigning tasks for completion if they decide to work independently.
• Assisting them in finding job opportunities through your professional network, providing recommendations for employment in other workplaces, or recommending the use of their services and products if they choose to work independently.
• Providing assistance and useful information if the student decides to establish their own project.