Kale Group and Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Take Concrete Step in University-Industry Cooperation

Kale Grubu has taken an important step in cooperation with Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (ÇOMÜ) by implementing an innovative project in vocational training. Under the leadership of Kaleseramik Education, Health and Social Assistance Foundation, the "Dr. (h.c.) İbrahim Bodur Innovative Surface Design and Application Workshop" was opened at a ceremony with contributions from Kaleseramik and Kalekim.

The project, which aims to address the qualified workforce shortage—one of Turkey's most important industrial agenda items—combines theoretical knowledge with practice, creating a new educational model for students.

Direct sector preparation through applied education
Operating within the scope of the "Building Surface Design Technician Programme" at ÇOMÜ Technical Sciences Vocational School's Construction Department, the workshop will provide students with applied training opportunities. Through this programme, which is Turkey's first and only of its kind, students will be able to convert their theoretical knowledge into practice in an environment integrated with the sector.

"Our goal is to train sought-after professionals"
Zeynep Bodur Okyay, in her speech at the opening, emphasized the need for a new approach in university-industry cooperation and said:

"Today we are not just opening a workshop. We are taking an important step for the reputation of a profession and the future of our youth. Industry grows not only through production, but by training people. In university-industry cooperation, it is now time for action, not just agreements. Our goal is not to train 'intermediate staff', but 'sought-after professionals' who know their craft and demonstrate their expertise."

"Knowledge must meet the field"
R. Cüneyt Erenoğlu, drawing attention to the university's vision, made the following assessment:

"Our purpose is not to keep knowledge only in the academic sphere, but to transfer it to the field. With this workshop, our students will strengthen their theoretical knowledge through practice and graduate as individuals ready for the sector."

Turkey's first: Building surface design technician programme
Developed in line with Kale Grubu's "Look Well at the World" approach, the project aims to support young people's active participation in production processes. Within this scope, the "Building Surface Design Technician Programme" launched in 2025 offers an innovative educational model that combines building coating technologies on the axes of technique, aesthetics and sustainability.

Sector integration through 3+1 education model
Under the "3+1" education model implemented within the programme, students will complete their final semesters directly at Kale Grubu facilities in applied form after three semesters of theoretical training. Students graduating from the programme will enter working life with the title of "Building Surface Design Technician".

The new generation technical workforce is expected to work in a wide employment field ranging from ceramic production facilities to architectural offices, from facade design firms to building inspection organizations.