TÜRGEV and Turkcell Academy are bringing young women to the center of Türkiye's workforce. From AI awareness to career planning… the transformation journey of 60 girls starts here.
05 May 2026
At TÜRGEV, we've been confronting the same reality for decades: talented, motivated young women enter the workforce knowing exactly what they want — but not how to get there. Career planning, interview preparation, reading corporate culture — none of this is taught in school. The "New Generation Work Life" program was built to close that gap.
What Is the "New Generation Work Life" Program?
Türkiye Gençlik ve Eğitime Hizmet Vakfı — the Turkish Foundation for Youth and Education Services (TÜRGEV) — has launched the "New Generation Work Life" program in partnership with Turkcell Academy, targeting university students and recent female graduates across Türkiye. The program began on April 27 and runs through May 21, 2026. Out of more than 300 applicants, 60 young women were selected to participate. In doing so, TÜRGEV reinforces its position as one of Türkiye's leading institutions in career training for girls and young women.
Who Can Apply?
Participants are third- and fourth-year university students as well as recent graduates. The program is designed to reach young women at precisely the right moment — before they enter the workforce, when career habits are still forming and professional identity is taking shape. Because the skills that make the difference on day one of a career are best learned before day one.
A Hybrid Education Model That Reaches Every City in Türkiye
To ensure that career training for young women extends beyond major metropolitan areas, TÜRGEV designed the program using a hybrid model. Sessions are held at the Güzel İşler Fabrikası (GİF) Safveti Paşa Campus within TÜRGEV's facilities, with in-person sessions complemented by live online sessions — making participation possible for young women across Türkiye regardless of where they live. Theoretical content is reinforced through case studies and interactive learning methods, giving participants hands-on experience alongside classroom instruction.
Curriculum and Skills: What the Program Covers
The "New Generation Work Life" program takes a comprehensive approach to preparing girls and young women for the demands of today's workforce. Delivered by expert trainers from Turkcell Academy, the curriculum covers AI awareness, project management, career planning, interview techniques, teamwork, and professional communication. Participants don't just learn concepts — they engage with real corporate dynamics, experience workplace culture firsthand, and gain practical insight into professional processes that most graduates only encounter after they're hired.
Why AI Awareness Is No Longer Optional
The modern workforce is transforming faster than any curriculum can keep up with. Understanding how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, workflows, and hiring practices is no longer a specialized skill — it's a baseline expectation. TÜRGEV and Turkcell Academy recognized this early and placed AI awareness at the heart of the program's curriculum. Participants in the "New Generation Work Life" program don't just learn about AI in the abstract; they develop a practical framework for applying that awareness in real workplace settings.
What Do Young Women Walk Away With?
Participants who successfully complete the program receive a certificate of completion — a tangible credential that carries real weight in job applications. But the program's outcomes go beyond a document. Young women leave with the professional fluency, digital competencies, and career confidence that employers in Türkiye and beyond are actively looking for. TÜRGEV is committed to ensuring that this program strengthens young women's pathways to employment and contributes to developing the skilled workforce that the modern economy demands.
TÜRGEV President Yılmaz: "Every Effort We Make Is an Investment in Türkiye's Future"
TÜRGEV President Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz underscored the strategic importance of the program, noting that it represents a significant milestone in advancing career readiness among young women. She further emphasized TÜRGEV’s enduring commitment to supporting young women at every stage of their transition from education to professional life.
Yılmaz stated: “Every initiative that unlocks the potential of our young women constitutes an investment in Türkiye’s future. The evolving demands of the global workforce increasingly prioritize individuals who can communicate with clarity, navigate digital transformation, and demonstrate a results-oriented approach.”
30 Years of Experience and a Clear Vision for What Comes Next
TÜRGEV is emerging as a key actor in youth workforce development across Türkiye and beyond. The "New Generation Work Life" program is one part of a broader ecosystem of support that TÜRGEV has built for girls and young women over nearly three decades — in partnership with institutions like Turkcell Academy (turkcell.com.tr/akademi) that share the same commitment to building the next generation's professional readiness.
In parallel with professional development, TÜRGEV continues its awareness work around the risks of the digital age. The Foundation's Psychological Counseling Center provides guidance on digital dependency, attention management, and healthy social media use. Meanwhile, the Güzel İşler Fabrikası runs workshops at the intersection of art, craft, and technology — nurturing a culture of creativity and productivity among young participants.
TÜRGEV approaches career training for young women not as a program, but as a responsibility. Every step taken to bring confident, capable, and well-equipped young women into the workforce is among the most valuable investments Türkiye can make in its own future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the "New Generation Work Life" program? The program is open to third- and fourth-year university students as well as recent female graduates who want to develop professional skills and shape their career path before entering the workforce.
When did the program start and when does it end? The "New Generation Work Life" program launched on April 27, 2026 and runs through May 21, 2026.
How many participants were accepted? More than 300 young women applied. Following a competitive selection process, 60 participants were accepted into the program.
Where do the training sessions take place? Sessions are held at TÜRGEV's Güzel İşler Fabrikası (GİF) Safveti Paşa Campus using a hybrid model. In-person sessions are supported by live online sessions, allowing young women from cities across Türkiye to participate.
What subjects does the program cover? The curriculum includes AI awareness, project management, career planning, interview techniques, teamwork, and professional communication — all reinforced through case studies and interactive learning methods.
Who delivers the training? All sessions are delivered by expert trainers from Turkcell Academy.
Do participants receive a certificate? Yes. Participants who successfully complete the program receive a certificate of completion, which serves as a recognized credential in job applications.
Does TÜRGEV offer other programs for girls and young women? Yes. TÜRGEV has been active in this space for nearly 30 years. The Foundation's Psychological Counseling Center supports young people on issues including digital dependency, attention management, and social media use. The Güzel İşler Fabrikası also runs ongoing workshops in art, craft, and technology.
