- Türkiye's national defense projects are inspiring more young people to pursue careers in aviation and the defense industry.

- Academics emphasize the growing demand for skilled professionals: "The industry's need for qualified personnel increases every year, and companies actively recruit our students before they even graduate."

- Council of Higher Education President Erol Özvar: "The long-term success of Türkiye's defense industry depends on a highly qualified workforce."

August 2, 2026

As the Council of Higher Education continues to expand employment-oriented academic programs designed to equip young people with the skills demanded by the modern economy, students enrolled in programs that train professionals for the aviation and defense industries say that hands-on education, high employment rates, and strong industry partnerships provide them with significant career advantages.

Students in the Aircraft Technology Associate Degree Program at Gazi University’s TUSAŞ Kazan Vocational School receive extensive practical training that prepares them with the knowledge and technical skills required by the aviation sector. Upon graduation, they can pursue careers in a wide range of fields, including the defense industry, commercial aviation, logistics, and space technologies.

Growing student interest in aviation reflects Türkiye's remarkable progress in the aviation and defense sectors in recent years. Through landmark projects such as KAAN, HÜRJET, HÜRKUŞ, ANKA, and AKSUNGUR, Türkiye has gained international recognition as a country that not only operates advanced defense technologies but also designs, develops, and exports its own platforms. As the country continues advancing toward its goal of producing indigenous fighter aircraft, demand for highly qualified professionals across the sector continues to rise.

- Strong Academic Support for Türkiye's Aviation Initiative

Faculty members in the Aircraft Technology Program emphasize that human capital is the most critical factor behind Türkiye's growing success in the defense industry. Dr. Ebru Yiğit Dakmaz, Head of the Aircraft Technology Program, noted that demand for qualified technical personnel continues to increase. "Many of our students are approached by aviation companies for employment even before they complete their studies."

Assoc. Prof. Harun Koçak, lecturer in the Aircraft Technology Program, explained that students begin with core courses such as technical drawing, manufacturing methods, composite materials, and aircraft assembly techniques before progressing to practical training that prepares them for careers in defense industry companies. "Many industry representatives contact us to say they are looking for qualified personnel. They ask us to refer any graduates who are still available for employment."

Another lecturer, Abdurrahman Selvi, emphasized that students receive both theoretical and practical education. "There is strong demand from the defense industry for graduates in manufacturing, assembly, and composite technologies. Through workplace-based education two days a week and summer internships, we provide comprehensive hands-on training. Aviation is one of the most promising professions of the future, and we encourage young people interested in aviation and technology to choose this field with enthusiasm."

- "We Need Young Talents"

Berat Emre İleri, Head of Young Talent and Exchange Programs at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) Academy, stated that both the civil and military aviation sectors are undergoing rapid transformation and that demand for highly qualified professionals will continue to grow.

"Our industry is experiencing a profound transformation. Our long-term vision includes producing hundreds of aircraft platforms. Those aircraft will be built by these talented hands."

İleri noted that the Aircraft Technology and Aircraft Manufacturing programs directly address the workforce needs of the production sector. "We need technicians who can work directly on aircraft in hangars, assembly facilities, manufacturing plants, and testing environments."

Describing the current period as historic for Türkiye's defense industry, he added: "The aircraft platforms developed by our country are attracting attention from around the world. While we are developing dozens of aircraft platforms, one of our most important projects is our human capital project. We need young talents who will experience this pride and carry it with them throughout their careers."

He explained that from the very first day of their internships, students are encouraged to develop a strong sense of national responsibility. "We want them to understand the value of every single bolt and rivet used in an aircraft. We will continue this journey together with candidates who will experience and inspire this sense of national pride."

- "This Program Is Worth Choosing for This Reason Alone"

Beytullah Kumaş, a graduate of the Aircraft Technology Program now working in the defense industry, described aviation and defense not merely as professions but as opportunities to serve the country. "This is a rapidly developing profession. I believe it is one of the professions of the future."

He added that seeing components he helped manufacture being put into service is an indescribable experience. "When you see the products benefiting your country, the feeling is impossible to describe. Knowing that 'I am contributing to my country' is incredibly meaningful. That alone is enough reason to study this field and pursue this profession."

- "Being Part of National Projects Is a Great Source of Pride"

Aircraft Technology student Emirhan Yıldırım emphasized the industry's continuous growth. "The aviation sector has no limits—it continues to evolve every day. By completing this two-year associate degree program, we can build rewarding careers. Through national projects, we represent our country. These achievements demonstrate Türkiye's strength and give us immense pride."

Another student, Mert Özkan, said that working in the defense industry holds special significance for him. "Everything we produce here directly contributes to our country. That is why our motivation is so high."

Student Emircan Uçan highlighted the global shortage of skilled technical personnel. "Finding qualified technical professionals is genuinely difficult, both in Türkiye and internationally. Demand in this field will never disappear. People sometimes think, 'I'm only installing a rivet.' But that rivet flies in an aircraft. Experiencing that feeling is truly unique."

- They Retook the University Entrance Examination to Pursue Aviation

Aircraft Technology student Nursima Karatekin explained that although she had previously studied in a different four-year university program, she decided to take the university entrance examination again after evaluating employment opportunities in aviation.

She noted that the program's practical training has prepared her exceptionally well for her future career. "We participate directly in outer wing, center wing, and aircraft assembly processes. Being part of such a precise and important production process is incredibly rewarding."

Program graduate Abdulsamet Akdeniz said that even if offered employment abroad, he would choose to remain in Türkiye. "Even if a foreign company invited me to work overseas, I would not go. I want to serve my country. Türkiye's aviation companies are growing, and I want to be part of that progress."

- "We Are Transforming Higher Education to Meet Industry Needs"

Council of Higher Education President Erol Özvar stated that the sustainability of Türkiye's achievements in the aviation and defense sectors depends on educating a highly qualified workforce.

"We are transforming our higher education system to prepare graduates with the competencies required by today's industries. While strengthening university-industry collaboration, we aim to ensure that our students gain practical experience during their studies and transition quickly into employment after graduation. Our academic programs that train professionals for the aviation and defense industries are among the leading examples of this vision."