Is Türkiye’s on-the-job training program sustainable? A qualitative evaluation from the firms’ perspective

Abstract

Active labor market policies play a vital role in achieving sustainable development goals. This study examines the effectiveness of the on-the-job training (OJT) program, a key active employment policy implemented by the Turkish Employment Agency (TEA), within the context of Antalya province, Türkiye. The research aims to explore employers’ perceptions of the program, its effectiveness, and its contribution to sustainable development. Data were collected through semi structured interviews with managers responsible for OJT in various firms and analyzed thematically using computer assisted tools. The findings show that although the program contributes to the increase of human capital by creating employment and developing skills, it falls short of its goals due to labor segmentation issues, operational inefficiencies, and its inability to close implementation gaps, revealing that the program faces a number of structural challenges. The study concludes that although OJT holds significant potential for promoting sustainable employment, further improvements are necessary to enhance its impact.