Abstract Book of the 8th International Conference on Innovative Research in Education
Year: 2025
[PDF]
Empowering Vocational Education Through Digital and English Training: The Public-Private Partnership of Enerjisa Üretim, MCBU, and EBRD
Cenk Yoldaş, Hüsem Korkmaz, Ali Geriş
ABSTRACT:
This study This study explores the perspectives regarding the impact of public-private partnerships (PPP) on vocational education and training, focusing on a collaboration between Enerjisa Üretim, Manisa Celal Bayar University (MCBU), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Türkiye. With the technical and laboratory infrastructure financing of Enerjisa Üretim, and the grants of EBRD, the partnership aimed to enhance the skills and employability of the Vocational School of Manisa Technical Sciences students by integrating technical, digital, and English training into the curriculum. The research investigates the motives of stakeholders, the benefits and challenges of the partnership, and the implications for future PPPs in higher education. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, the study gathers perspectives from representatives of Enerjisa Üretim (n=1), EBRD (n=1), and MCBU (n=2) as well as lecturers (n=2) and students (n=4) who participated in the initiative. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the experiences of participants, uncovering both positive outcomes, such as improved technical competencies and better alignment with job market needs, and challenges, including issues with collaboration and management styles. The study highlights the potential of PPPs to provide valuable resources and expertise for educational institutions in developing countries, while also emphasizing the need for strong communication, trust, and shared expectations to overcome inherent obstacles. Findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on PPPs in higher education, offering insights into how such collaborations can be structured to benefit vocational students, improve educational practices, and ultimately enhance employability. The results also provide recommendations for strengthening future partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability and success.
Keywords: digital skills, employability, English language learning, higher education, sustainability