As of 2024, the total number of employed individuals in Turkey exceeds 32 million. Among these, 23 million are categorized as wage and daily workers, while the largest occupational group consists of 7.35 million people working in low-skilled jobs. The second-largest group includes 5.2 million individuals employed as service and sales staff.

According to data from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security for 2023, there are 239,835 foreign workers employed in Turkey. Although the foreign workforce represents around 1% of the total, a significant portion of society believes the actual figures are much higher. Accurate data collection through proper inspections is essential to develop effective policies for social security and workforce management.

Unskilled Labor and Future Challenges

The high proportion of unskilled labor in Turkey poses a significant risk. This situation necessitates comprehensive reforms in the education system and a thorough transformation in vocational training programs.

With the increasing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and technological advancements, a large segment of Turkey’s workforce will undergo transformation in the near future. Addressing these challenges will require an all-encompassing effort from both the public and private sectors to reform education policies effectively.

International Competitiveness and Challenges

Rising wages driven by inflation, coupled with a stable exchange rate, place the Turkish workforce at a disadvantage in international markets. This situation limits employment opportunities abroad, making it increasingly clear that both public and private sectors must work towards enhancing the skills and qualifications of Turkey’s workforce to maintain competitiveness.

Sectoral Shifts in Employment

Of the 3.18 million people who left their jobs in Turkey, more than 50% were employed in the service sector.

  • Approximately 1.7 million individuals are actively seeking job opportunities in different sectors.
  • Around 580,000 people have left careers in the industrial sector to explore opportunities in other industries.

This sectoral transition highlights the dynamic nature of Turkey’s labor market and the need for policies that support career shifts and adaptability.

Conclusion: The Time for a Revolution in Education and Labor Policies Has Long Passed

Based on data from the Ministry of National Education, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, and TÜİK (Turkish Statistical Institute), this analysis reveals the urgent need to reshape Turkey’s labor force policies.

Starting this transformation process quickly will not only strengthen Turkey’s local economy but also enhance its regional competitiveness in the global market.
The focus should be on:

  • Comprehensive educational reforms,
  • Skill development programs, and
  • Innovative workforce strategies to ensure Turkey’s sustainable growth and resilience in the face of global challenges.