TEKNOFEST Vocational Skills Competition: Türkiye’s Skilled Hands Shaping the Future | TEKNOFEST

Hands-On Skills Competition Across Nine Different Categories

In 2026, the competition will be held across nine categories representing various sectors of industry: Welding, Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical Installation and Panel Assembly, Electrical Control Panel Design and Implementation, PCB Assembly, Mechatronics Technologies, Medium Voltage Technologies, and Smart Factory Systems Programming. Through practical tasks that closely simulate real working environments, participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate their vocational competencies and technical expertise.

In the Plumbing category, participants will be evaluated on their knowledge and skills in the design, installation, maintenance, and repair of building water supply and wastewater systems. The PCB Assembly category will focus on the assembly and soldering of electronic components onto printed circuit boards.

The Medium Voltage Technologies category will emphasize safe operation within energy infrastructure, fault detection, and switching procedures, while the Mechatronics Technologies category will assess competencies in electrical and electronic systems, automation, and PLC programming.

The Carpentry category will highlight design, manufacturing, and craftsmanship skills, whereas the Welding category will focus on welding applications performed in accordance with industrial standards. In the Electrical Installation and Panel Assembly category, participants will be evaluated on electrical installation and panel assembly practices compliant with IEC standards. The Electrical Control Panel Design and Implementation category will emphasize skills related to motor control systems and energy efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Smart Factory Systems Programming category will test participants’ industrial automation capabilities through PLC-controlled production lines, machine vision systems, robotics applications, and autonomous transportation technologies.

Broad Participation Opportunities

The TEKNOFEST Vocational Skills Competition welcomes participants from diverse educational backgrounds and experience levels.

At the high school level, applications are open to vocational high school students studying in Türkiye and abroad, as well as high school students studying in Türkiye and young people who have graduated within the last three years. High school students who are not enrolled in vocational schools must hold an apprenticeship, journeyman, or master craftsperson certificate in the relevant field.

At the university level, students enrolled in technical disciplines at universities in Türkiye and abroad are eligible to participate.

At the Open Category level, individuals may compete without holding a vocational diploma, provided they have at least one year of experience in the relevant field, have developed technical skills independently, or possess an apprenticeship, journeyman, or master craftsperson certificate.

Significant Awards Await Successful Competitors

Participants who achieve top rankings will be rewarded with substantial prizes.

At the high school level, first-place winners will receive TRY 120,000, second-place winners TRY 100,000, and third-place winners TRY 80,000.

In the University and Open Category levels, first-place winners will receive TRY 150,000, second-place winners TRY 120,000, and third-place winners TRY 100,000.

From Vocational Education to Manufacturing Excellence

The TEKNOFEST Vocational Skills Competition is more than a competition—it represents a strategic initiative aimed at developing the skilled workforce that will contribute to Türkiye’s manufacturing and technology ecosystem.

By supporting the cultivation of qualified professionals needed by industry, the competition enables young people to enhance their vocational skills, connect with industry representatives, and gain valuable opportunities for their future careers.

Strengthening the link between vocational education and the world of production, the TEKNOFEST Vocational Skills Competition brings together future technicians, craftspeople, operators, and engineering candidates around a shared vision. Through this effort, the competition is set to contribute to Türkiye’s goal of building a strong and sustainable manufacturing future.

Suggested Announcements