Eskişehir Technical University (ESTU) Vocational School of Information Technologies was established to meet the needs of the rapidly developing IT sector. Vocational School of Information Technologies aims to train qualified workforce in the field of informatics, provide trainings to meet sectoral demands and contribute to regional development. In today's rapidly evolving technology, it aims to provide theoretical and practical knowledge to students by focusing on critical areas such as software development, cyber security, artificial intelligence, data analytics; in this way, it aims to train its graduates as individuals who are equipped to find a place in the business world quickly.
Graduates of the Vocational School of Information Technologies can pursue careers in various sectors such as public institutions, defense industry, health technologies and e-commerce. In the public sector, they can take part in e-government projects, data management and digital transformation processes; they can also be employed in cyber security, robotic systems and software development. In the health technology sector, they can specialize in hospital automation systems, medical device software and data analytics. In the finance sector, they can work in areas such as network management, cloud systems, data security and application development.
Establishment and Goals of the School
Established on 18.04.2024 in order to respond to the rapidly developing needs of the IT sector, ESTU Vocational School of Information Technologies hosts a total of six programs with the transfer of three programs within Porsuk Vocational School. Our university aims to train a qualified workforce, provide trainings to meet sectoral demands and contribute to regional development. Among the main objectives of the Vocational School of Information Technologies is to train individuals specialized in the fields needed by the IT sector with a qualified workforce. With the rapid development of technology, it is observed that there is a great need especially in areas such as software development, cyber security, artificial intelligence and data analytics. In this direction, our college aims to meet this need by training graduates with applied education in a short time.
Innovative Education Methods
The curriculum of the Vocational School of Information Technologies includes innovative educational approaches to ensure that students can quickly adapt to the world of contemporary technology. These approaches are not limited to theoretical knowledge, but aim to enable students to gain practical experience and develop skills in line with sectoral needs.
The first innovative approach is project-based learning. With this method, students gain practical experience by working on real-world problems. For example, projects are developed to address the needs of the sector in areas such as artificial intelligence, game development or cloud systems. Project-based learning allows students to develop critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork skills.
Applied laboratory training also plays an important role in the curriculum. Theoretical courses are actively practiced and reinforced in laboratory environments. Students gain experience with software and hardware widely used in the industry, such as simulation-based training tools, robotic systems, artificial intelligence applications and game engines. For example, current software such as Unity, AWS, Azure and TensorFlow are actively used.
Another important innovative approach is the use of digital learning tools and online platforms. In this way, students have the opportunity to learn independently through online educational materials. Video lectures, interactive content and learning applications are offered to students through e-learning platforms (BTK Academy). In addition, collaboration and project delivery processes are supported through cloud-based platforms.
The curriculum also includes entrepreneurship and innovation courses. In these courses, students learn about entrepreneurship in the technology sector and gain practical skills on topics such as starting a technology venture, preparing a business plan and prototyping.
Finally, an agile and continuous learning approach is also an important part of the curriculum. In order to keep up with the rapidly changing dynamics of technology, students are encouraged to develop the habit of continuous learning. The curriculum is organized in a way that enables students to keep up with current technological trends. In this way, students are equipped to follow the latest developments in areas such as cloud computing, big data, IoT, VR/AR.
These innovative educational approaches ensure that graduates have not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical competencies and industry-appropriate skills. Thus, students can take a competitive position in the business world.
Practical Training Opportunities and Internship Opportunities
The vocational school offers its students a variety of practical training opportunities to support their success in the business world. Students are trained with the latest software and hardware technologies in the newly established computer laboratories for 60 and 40 people. In the laboratories, students develop their competencies with practical training for the problems they may encounter in the IT world. It is also aimed to open additional laboratories for applied courses related to the curriculum and to plan internship processes in cooperation with the sector. In this way, students can graduate better equipped by combining theory and practice.
Collaboration with the Sector
Vocational School of Information Technologies develops various strategies to keep up with the rapid changes and developments in the IT sector. Students are trained with software and technologies widely used in the sector and have the opportunity to put their theoretical knowledge into practice in projects aimed at solving real-life problems. In addition, students gain in-depth knowledge of the sector by taking part in research and development projects carried out under the guidance of academicians.
Internship programs contribute to students' preparation for the business world after graduation by increasing their experience in the IT sector. In the coming period, seminars and career days are planned to be organized with technology companies, entrepreneurs and experts in the sector.
The Vocational School aims to facilitate the adaptation of its students to the developments in the sector and their integration into the business world through collaborations and sectoral partnerships with the business world. In this context, preliminary meetings are held with local dynamics and leading companies in the sector. In line with the protocols to be signed, students are provided with more experience in the business world. In addition, it is planned to establish an External Advisory Board that will include local leaders and important people in the sector. This board aims to establish strong ties with the sector and provide valuable opportunities for students.
Future Projects and Goals
In the future, the Vocational School plans to implement various goals such as vocational training programs, sectoral collaborations, technical trips, conferences, projects and R&D collaborations. Through these projects, it is aimed that students gain experience in real business environments and improve their problem solving skills for the sector.
In addition, it is planned to cooperate with the sector in social responsibility projects; in this way, it is aimed to increase students' awareness of social contribution and sustainability. The vocational school aims to ensure that its graduates find more space in the sector by making more agreements with the business world regarding graduate employment.
The Vocational School of Information Technologies equips its students not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills through innovative education methods, industry-oriented cooperation programs and practical training opportunities. Considering the developing demands in the technology and IT sectors, students are provided with modern and future-oriented education opportunities. This dynamic structure provides a strong foundation that will enable students to quickly find a place in the business world after graduation and successfully take part in competitive environments in the sector.
Career Support and Student Guidance
The vocational school provides a strong start to professional life through career support and guidance services to its students. The career development and student support unit within Eskişehir Technical University organizes various activities such as seminars, academic programs and career days for students. This unit aims to support the academic, personal and professional development of students, to establish an effective communication network with graduates and to raise individuals who can compete on a global scale. In addition, students are supported to benefit from these opportunities by cooperating with institutions that provide external scholarship opportunities.
Social Responsibility Projects and Club Activities
Vocational School of Information Technologies organizes various club activities, events and social responsibility projects to support students' personal and academic development. Students are encouraged to become members of student clubs throughout the university, take part in social responsibility projects and participate in events.
Students are informed about these opportunities through announcements made through the web page and social media channels. Eskişehir Technical University organizes various scientific, artistic, sportive and cultural activities through numerous student clubs that appeal to different interests. These activities contribute to students gaining knowledge, developing their skills and expanding their social circles.