In the presence of Vedat Işıkhan, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, the Directorate of Communications held a signing ceremony between the Press Advertisement Agency (BİK) and the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR) for the "Cooperation Protocol on Active Workforce Services", aimed at expanding the qualified workforce in the media and communications sectors.
Speaking at the event, Burhanettin Duran, the Presidency's Head of Communications, highlighted that the communication ecosystem is currently undergoing a major transformation process and added that new communication technologies and digitalisation have been expeditiously altering both people's habits and the structure of communication and media.
Underscoring that this situation has also evolved the qualifications of the media workforce, Head of Communications Duran said, "The Directorate of Communications regards both the structural strengthening of media organisations and the enhancement of the human resources as a strategic priority."
Noting that they are undertaking multidimensional efforts from improving the working conditions of press members to fostering their professional development, Head of Communications Duran said, "Through initiatives such as enhancing press card processes, strengthening accreditation mechanisms, and supporting journalists working in the field amid disasters and crises, we contribute to enabling our media to operate on a stronger foundation. With our programmes, trainings, and publications, we strive to support our stakeholders in the world of communications. In addition, we consider the digitalisation of local media and the development of relations with international media among our priority areas of work."
"Press organisations will employ the participants for a minimum of two times the duration of the programme"
Head of Communications Duran said that they consider the protocol signed between İŞKUR and the Press Advertisement Agency as a crucial part of this holistic approach and added,
"Within the framework of this protocol, on-the-job training programmes will be organised at newspapers and news websites. 1,075 press organisations registered in the Press Advertisement Agency's system will be provided with employment, training, and workforce support. The protocol, which will remain in effect for two years, can be extended with the approval of the parties. It is also highly important that programme participants receive monthly payments from İŞKUR equivalent to the net minimum wage for a period of nine months and benefit from social insurance coverage. Correspondingly, press organisations will employ the training programme participants for a minimum of twice the duration of the programme.
Head of Communications Duran explained that he finds it invaluable for participants to experience journalism activities directly in newsrooms and in the field, saying, "We believe that the programme will bridge the gap between theory and practice. As a result, prospective journalists will be able to further develop themselves. From this standpoint, I see this collaboration as a strategic move that brings together the sector's needs and human resources."
"Anatolian media is the voice of our nation"
Expressing his belief that this project will make a significant contribution to strengthening the local press, particularly the Anatolian media, Head of Communications Duran said, “As our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has stated, the Anatolian media is the voice of our nation. I believe that the steps taken by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security with this understanding are valuable and serve a highly functional purpose. I would particularly like to highlight practices that will ensure workplace harmony and order through promoting the health, safety, and well-being of employees. It is extremely valuable that they monitor the impact of digital transformation on working life and make the necessary arrangements in line with the conditions. The protocol we have signed also serves as an important indication of this harmony."
Head of Communications Duran extended his gratitude to Vedat Işıkhan, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, for supporting this initiative, which will have a direct impact on the communication ecosystem. He also thanked the Press Advertisement Agency and the Turkish Employment Agency for their meaningful cooperation and wished that the protocol would be auspicious for the media industry.
Scope of the Protocol
The cooperation protocol is intended to increase the number of qualified professionals by providing incentives and training opportunities in the media and communications sector. At the same time, the programme aims to equip young people with practical workplace experience and facilitate their successful transition into careers in the sector.
The programme consists of three main support components: "On-the-Job Training Programmes", "Vocational Training Courses", and "Vocational Training for Employees".
The programme's primary beneficiaries will be media organisations, job seekers in the sector, and graduates of communication faculties. The signed protocol will cover a two-year period and can be extended by mutual agreement between the parties.
Individuals who want to work in the media but lack professional qualifications will be able to acquire sectoral competence. The Press Advertisement Institution (BİK) and the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR) will analyse the media sector's current and changing needs and create customised labour force programmes.
İŞKUR will cover insurance premiums and pay participants at the net minimum wage for the duration of the programme. Trainer fees and essential trainee expenses will be funded through the İŞKUR budget, as per the protocol.
Competency-enhancing training will be planned to help current employees adjust to digitalisation and the new media order.
Those who complete the on-the-job training and vocational training courses will be employed by the relevant press organisation for at least twice the duration of the programme.
The protocol aims to reach all 652 newspapers, 366 online news websites, and 57 periodical publications currently awaiting registration across Türkiye.
Meanwhile, Head of Communications Duran, in a post shared on his NSosyal account, thanked Minister of Labour and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan and all those who contributed to the implementation of the protocol, and expressed his hope that the cooperation would prove beneficial for the local and national media.
