In January, a course in leather design and technology was incorporated in the curriculum of a vocational high school in the wholesale leather garment district of Zeytinburnu. Türkiye’s young generation are ambitious and eager for higher education but a small fraction gain entrance to university. For the others, a vocational high school is often the only option and community-based ‘apprentice’ schools have gained a higher profile to cope with burgeoning demand. Many have added leather-related courses, offering practical and theoretical courses in design and technology.
Education is a priority but what Türkiye’s leather sector really needs is more university-educated graduates and fewer technicians. To compete in today’s gladiatorial business arena, employers increasingly want alpha scholars.
