Schneider Electric Invests in Automation for Vocational Education

New-generation PLC and automation laboratory established in Samsun to support development of skilled workforce needed by industry

Global energy technology company Schneider Electric has added a new investment supporting vocational training in Turkey. The PLC Automation and Communication Laboratory, established within Atakum Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School through cooperation between Schneider Electric Turkey and Samsun Provincial Directorate of National Education, was inaugurated at a ceremony.

At the opening attended by Atakum District Governor Murat Bulacak, Samsun Provincial Education Director Murat Ağar, and Schneider Electric Turkey and Central Asia Regional Director Mehmet Özalp, a new collaboration model designed to strengthen cooperation between industry and education was introduced.

Practical infrastructure for industrial automation training
The new laboratory was designed to enable students to develop their theoretical knowledge in industrial automation, communication and control systems through practical training.

A 100-hour training program prepared by Schneider Electric University was also integrated into the curriculum. Students who successfully complete the program will gain technical proficiency on Schneider Electric products and become eligible to receive internationally recognized certification.

In the laboratory, which will be actively used by approximately 45 students annually, sector professionals will regularly meet with students to share field experience.

Planned for rollout across Turkey
The laboratory implemented in Samsun serves as the first pilot application of a model planned to be expanded across Turkey in integration with organized industrial zones. The project aims to contribute to the training of qualified technical personnel needed by industry.

"Preparing our youth for future technologies"
Schneider Electric Turkey and Central Asia Regional Director Mehmet Özalp, speaking at the opening, emphasized the importance of skilled human resources in the digital transformation process, stating:

"We consider it a priority objective for our young people to acquire the skills required by digital transformation. The PLC and Automation Laboratory we have put into service will contribute to students gaining technical proficiency at global standards by supporting their theoretical knowledge with practical application. We believe this model we have launched in Samsun will serve as an example in training qualified human resources needed by industry."

Atakum District Governor Murat Bulacak emphasized that vocational and technical training is of critical importance for economic development, stating that the cooperation with Schneider Electric will provide young people with practical training opportunities and contribute to the development of the qualified workforce needed by industry.

Operating with focus on digital transformation and sustainability
Schneider Electric, operating in the fields of electrification, automation and digitalization, develops technologies for industry, buildings, data centers and infrastructure projects through energy management, industrial automation and sustainability solutions. The company operates in more than 100 countries worldwide.