SHAPING THE FUTURE, ONE MECHANIC AT A TIME
AISIN OTOMOTIV VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL IN ISTANBUL WELCOMES ITS FIRST STUDENTS
Istanbul, Türkiye – September 5, 2025
AISIN Otomotiv Parçaları San. ve Tic. A.Ş. (AISIN Türkiye) a manufacturing subsidiary of AISIN Corporation located in the industrial region of Istanbul, is set to launch its new initiative: AISIN Otomotiv Vocational and Technical High School. The new project, announced in June of this year, makes AISIN the first in Istanbul —and the second nationwide—to implement the “Sector-Integrated School” model. Central to this initiative is the concept of Hitozukuri, a foundational element of the Toyota Production System, which translates to “The Art of Human Development.” This philosophy emphasizes the continuous enhancement of individuals’ expertise, the cultivation of cross-functional competencies, and the promotion of lifelong learning. Through this approach, AISIN Türkiye aims to foster a new generation of technically skilled professionals who will contribute meaningfully to both the company’s future and the broader manufacturing sector.
The initiative comes in response to a growing challenge in the industry: a shortage of skilled technical workers. With Gen Z entering the workforce and traditional employment models shifting, AISIN Türkiye is taking proactive steps to bridge the gap between education and industry.
A Strategic Response to Workforce Challenges
According to recent labor market research by İŞKUR (Turkish Employment Agency), employers face increasing difficulty in recruiting qualified personnel due to factors such as high wage expectations, lack of experience, and insufficient professional skills. The data also highlights a disparity in employment rates based on education level, with vocational and technical high school graduates showing significantly higher labor force participation and employment rates than their peers.
AISIN Türkiye’s new school aims to address these challenges head-on by offering specialized training in Mechanical Technology, with branches in Machine Maintenance & Repair and Industrial Molding. The goal is to cultivate a new generation of technicians who are not only skilled but also deeply familiar with AISIN’s corporate culture and operational standards.
Source: İŞKUR Labour Market Survey: Turkiye Report, 2023
Classroom (2 classrooms, 30 trainees per class)
Main entrance and front view of the school
A School Built Inside the Factory
The AISIN Otomotiv Vocational and Technical High School is uniquely integrated into AISIN Türkiye’s metal plant, where administrative office areas have been repurposed into classrooms and Ministry of Education offices. This immersive environment allows students to gain hands-on experience through On-the-Job Training (OJT), with a curriculum that balances classroom learning and real-world practice.
- 3rd Grade: 3 days in class, 2 days at the factory (Genba)
- 4th Grade: 2 days in class, 3 days at Genba
This structure ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also practically equipped to enter the workforce upon graduation.
In addition to providing a robust educational framework, AISIN Türkiye fully covers operational expenses—including cafeteria services, transportation, and facility maintenance—and pays intern salaries to all participating students. This comprehensive support system not only removes financial barriers but also encourages continued secondary education, especially for students from lower-income households.
Long-Term Vision and Impact
The school reflects AISIN’s broader commitment to sustainability and social responsibility by investing in human capital to safeguard the future of the manufacturing industry. As AISIN Turkiye president Murat Ayabakan stated “As we face a global shortage of skilled labor, it is no longer enough to wait for talent to emerge — we must cultivate it ourselves. The AISIN Otomotiv Vocational and Technical High School is our answer to this challenge. By integrating education with industry, we are not only preparing students for jobs but empowering them to shape the future of manufacturing in Türkiye.”
