Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of Sustainable Vocational Education: A Study on Academics in Turkey

Sustainable vocational training can be defined as the continuous provision of trained personnel in a fast and appropriate manner to the country's economy and development. Therefore, it is imperative for nations to acknowledge the significance of this set of economically contributing activities, as they are instrumental in fostering economic growth and development. Consequently, research endeavors focused on the sustainability of the vocational education system in various countries are undergoing a rapid escalation. The objective of this study is to ascertain the components that are effective in ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the vocational education system in Turkey. To this end, the opinions of the academic staff working in vocational schools of higher vocational education in Turkey were considered. The results of the study are shared by means of an analysis of the survey data. The study's participants included 2,450 academicians employed in vocational schools throughout Turkey. In the context of the study, hypotheses were formulated and subjected to analysis. The SEM was utilized for hypothesis testing. The study's findings indicate the presence of four distinct component propositions for the sustainability of vocational education in Turkey. The following factors are believed to contribute to the enhancement of both the effectiveness and sustainability of vocational education: sustainable vocational education, increasing digitalization and access opportunities, raising awareness of energy and resource efficiency in education, reflecting data-based education policies in curricula, and integrating the online education system into vocational education. It is imperative for the nation's economic and developmental agenda that these four components be implemented in all vocational colleges offering vocational education.