Vocational Training and Employment Programme (MESIP): 3D Design and 3D Printing Trainings

Providing product design training using computers and G-codes in 3D printer trainings with 3D design software

The Vocational Training and Employment Programme, which has been developed by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), supports employment growth and develops human capital. The primary goal of the programme is to build educational capacity in partner countries. Within its scope, grants are provided for equipment and materials, along with training of trainers, which allows knowledge to be implemented concretely. Training on 3D design and 3D printers has been included in the submodules of the programme, which cover training and equipment support more broadly. 

The training framework is adapted to meet local needs. Training sessions are carried out on site by expert trainers in partner countries, using donated 3D printers and consumables. Partners are chosen based on demand from official institutions in partner countries. Participants are then chosen by the partner institutions. In order to ensure the programme’s sustainability and increase the supply of qualified teachers, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 4.c, the training of trainers model was adapted. Qualified trainers continue to deliver trainings in their own country, increasing the skilled workforce to achieve decent job creation, in line with SDG target 8.5. Grants for equipment are included in the programme to ensure the quality of education, in line with SDG target 4.3. Trainings are conducted in three levels. Basic trainings (100 hours) are held in the partner country. Advanced level (50 hours) and industrial solutions (50 hours) modules are carried out in Turkey. 

Since 2018, the programme has been implemented in 11 countries, where instructors from Turkey have conducted 1,100 hours of training for 328 trainees. Those participants have gone on to train an additional 292 individuals in the partner countries. The programme has therefore benefited 620 people, of whom 30 percent are women. In 2020, trainings are planned in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Jordan, Lebanon, Montenegro and Pakistan; however, these trainings have been postponed due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.  

Within the scope of the programme, 102 computers, 25 three-dimensional printers and 102 kg of consumables (filament) have been donated to the cooperating institutions in the countries where trainings have been conducted. While this innovative programme provides countries with new technologies in a short time, it also helps to reveal participants’ potential and increase their self-confidence. 

This low-budget programme to develop human capital has been designed by considering the financial and administrative capacities of the recipient countries. Thus, after the capacity-building is completed, the development of human resources and use of the technology continue without further support, thereby creating a sustainable environment for the programme. Job opportunities for trainees have increased, and the participants who have become trainers continue to apply these techniques in their own countries. 

This programme can be replicated and applied in any region, as it has a wide range of applications. The conditions and needs of the country and region should be analysed, and equipment and instructor support should be provided. Training content may also be updated. However, there must be demand for the programme. Once a request is received, the internal project cycle begins and a general framework for the programme is determined. The implementation phase may then begin quickly within institutional strategic planning processes.