SavedAdd your journal

Journals / International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research / 2026 / Cilt: 12 Sayı: 3

Vocational tourism education at the secondary level in Türkiye and the competencies of trainee students from the perspective of tourism professionals

Kurtuluş Tuncer(KASTAMONU ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-5367-5509
Burhan Sevim(KASTAMONU ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-3326-9642
Serkan Çalışkan(KASTAMONU ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-4996-8640
Pages
193–204
Publication Date
2026-09-06
🏛️Bibliographic metadata and full text access for this article are provided via DergiPark.
DergiPark Record ↗
✨

AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Findings indicate that students demonstrate significantly higher proficiency, cooperation, workplace harmony, and responsibility in smaller hotels (40 or fewer employees) and in settings with lower trainee density.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study examines vocational tourism education at the secondary level in Türkiye by assessing trainee students’ core competencies from the perspectives of hotel department managers.
📊
Key Findings & Data:Drawing on Bandura’s Social Learning Theory and organizational size theory, it investigates how organizational scale and trainee density influence student performance during work-integrated learning.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:Findings indicate that students demonstrate significantly higher proficiency, cooperation, workplace harmony, and responsibility in smaller hotels (40 or fewer employees) and in settings with lower trainee density.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Education · Intern · Tourism

Abstract

This study examines vocational tourism education at the secondary level in Türkiye by assessing trainee students’ core competencies from the perspectives of hotel department managers. Drawing on Bandura’s Social Learning Theory and organizational size theory, it investigates how organizational scale and trainee density influence student performance during work-integrated learning. Data were collected through a census of 190 department managers in hotels operating under an official ministerial protocol and analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Findings indicate that students demonstrate significantly higher proficiency, cooperation, workplace harmony, and responsibility in smaller hotels (40 or fewer employees) and in settings with lower trainee density. However, notable weaknesses emerge in foreign-language proficiency and autonomous problem-solving. The study concludes that optimizing trainee density and learning environments, alongside curriculum redesign and stronger school–industry collaboration, can enhance the effectiveness of vocational tourism education.

Özet

This study examines vocational tourism education at the secondary level in Türkiye by assessing trainee students’ core competencies from the perspectives of hotel department managers. Drawing on Bandura’s Social Learning Theory and organizational size theory, it investigates how organizational scale and trainee density influence student performance during work-integrated learning. Data were collected through a census of 190 department managers in hotels operating under an official ministerial protocol and analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Findings indicate that students demonstrate significantly higher proficiency, cooperation, workplace harmony, and responsibility in smaller hotels (40 or fewer employees) and in settings with lower trainee density. However, notable weaknesses emerge in foreign-language proficiency and autonomous problem-solving. The study concludes that optimizing trainee density and learning environments, alongside curriculum redesign and stronger school–industry collaboration, can enhance the effectiveness of vocational tourism education.

🔖

Cite This Article

Tuncer, K., Sevim, B., Çalışkan, S. (2026). Vocational tourism education at the secondary level in Türkiye and the competencies of trainee students from the perspective of tourism professionals. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research, Cilt: 12 Sayı: 3, 193–204. https://doi.org/10.24289/ijsser.1916675

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (66)

  1. Abdullah, N. H. L., Mat Husin, S. N., Paimin, A. N., Mohamed, M., & Mahat, H. (2021). Inmates’ perceptions of the effectiveness of technical and vocational training (TVET) and entrepreneurship training programs. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 13(1), 112–118.
  2. Airey, D. (2020). Education for tourism: A perspective article. Tourism Review, 75(1), 206–262.
  3. Airey, D. (2024). Fifty years of tourism education in annals. Annals of Tourism Research, 104, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2023.103689
  4. Akyürek, S., Genç, G., Çalık, İ., & Şengel, Ü. (2024). Metaverse in tourism education: A mixed method on vision, challenges and extended technology acceptance model. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 35, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhlste.2024.100503
  5. Alkan, C., Doğan, H., & Sezgin, İ. (1988). Mesleki ve teknik eğitimin esasları. Gazi Üniversitesi Teknik Eğitim Fakültesi Matbaası.
  6. Alvarez, M. D. (2010). Marketing of Turkey as a tourism destination. Anatolia, 21(1), 123–138. https://doi.org/10.1080/13032917.2010.9687094
  7. Aykaç, N. (2002). Türkiye’de ve bazı Avrupa Birliği ülkelerinde mesleki teknik eğitim (Almanya, Fransa, İsviçre, İspanya, Yunanistan örneği). Milli Eğitim Dergisi, 155–156.
  8. Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. General Learning Press.
  9. Baum, T. (2007). Skills and training for the tourism sector: A review of issues. Tourism Economics, 13(1), 119–138.
  10. Berjozkina, G., & Melanthiou, Y. (2021). Is tourism and hospitality education supporting sustainability? Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, 13(6), 744–753. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-07-2021-0101
  11. Billett, S. (2001). Learning in the workplace: Strategies for effective practice. Allen & Unwin.
  12. Billett, S. (2014). The standing of vocational education: Sources of its societal esteem and implications for its enactment. Journal of Vocational Education & Training, 66(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/13636820.2013.867525
  13. Blau, P. M. (1970). A formal theory of differentiation in organizations. American Sociological Review, 35(2), 201–218.
  14. Brunetti, I., & Corsini, L. (2019). School-to-work transition and vocational education: A comparison across Europe. International Journal of Manpower, 40(8), 1411–1437. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJM-02-2018-0061
  15. Caton, K., Schott, C., & Daniele, R. (2014). Tourism’s imperative for global citizenship. Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism, 14(2), 123–128. https://doi.org/10.1080/15313220.2014.907955
  16. Chan, K. C. T., Li, X., Chao, K. C., & Hong, H. I. (2026). Instructional innovation in the era of intelligence: Integrating AI literacy into hospitality and tourism education through the TPACK model. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 1–12.
  17. Choy, M. W., & Yeung, A. S. (2024). Tourism vocational education: Relations of input and output. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 34, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhlste.2024.100479
  18. Çalışkan, S. (2022). Temel beceriler odağında orta öğretimde gastronomi eğitimi. Journal of Tourism and Gastronomy Studies, 10(2), 1128–1146.
  19. Doğantan, E. (2023). Experiential learning through the design thinking approach in tourism education. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 33, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhlste.2023.100460
  20. Eichhorst, W. (2015). Does vocational training help young people find a (good) job? IZA World of Labor, 1-12.
  21. English, J. L., Keinonen, T., Havu-Nuutinen, S., & Sormunen, K. (2022). A study of Finnish teaching practices: How to optimise student learning and how to teach problem solving. Education Sciences, 12(11), 8-21. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12110821
  22. Fornell, C., & Larcker, D. F. (1981). Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error. Journal of Marketing Research, 18(1), 39–50.
  23. Güden, N., & Safaeimanesh, F. (2024). Conclusion: What should be the role of tourism education social structures to create and support collaborative learning environments and the tourism sector? Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, 16(1), 119–124. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-02-2024-0021
  24. Güden, N., Akyıldız, A., & Cobanoglu, C. (2024). Can advanced apprenticeship programs in higher education be the key for developing skills in the tourism sector? Evidence from North Cyprus. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 36(2), 99–112. https://doi.org/10.1080/10963758.2022.2056473
  25. Herrington, J., & Oliver, R. (2000). An instructional design framework for authentic learning environments. Educational Technology Research and Development, 48(3), 23–48.
  26. Hommel, M. (2024). Can vocational interests of students be used to recruit suitable candidates for teacher training programmes in technical vocational education and training in Germany? Education + Training, 66(3), 245–260.
  27. Hu, L., & Bentler, P. M. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 6(1), 1–55. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705519909540118
  28. International Labour Organization. (2021). World employment and social outlook 2021: The role of vocational education in the changing job market. ILO.
  29. İşler, H. (2012). Mesleki ve teknik eğitimde değişen paradigmalar. Mesleki Bilimler Dergisi, 1(2), 119–131.
  30. Ju, Y., Tsai, Y. Y., Gao, S. Y., Wu, T. L., & Tseng, T. L. (2025). Integrating augmented reality into event tourism education: Enhancing experiential value and authenticity. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 37, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhlste.2025.100571
  31. Kanca, O. C. (2015). Turizm gelirleri ve ekonomik büyüme: Türkiye örneği. The Journal of Marmara Social Research, 8, 1–14.
  32. Karalım, P. Y. (2024). A thematic analysis of contemporary tourism education. Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, 16(1), 2–9. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-02-2024-0020
  33. Kasnar, A., & Santoso, E. B. (2009). Development of senior high schools based on industrial sector requirements in the southern Gresik area. National Journal of Spatial Planning, 4(1), 10–24.
  34. Kılınç, M. (2013). Türkiye’de mesleki ve teknik eğitimin tarihi gelişimi (1908–1986) [Doktora tezi, Ankara Üniversitesi].
  35. Kram, K. E. (1985). Mentoring at work: Developmental relationships in organizational life. Scott, Foresman.
  36. Lave, J., & Wenger, E. (1991). Situated learning: Legitimate peripheral participation. Cambridge University Press.
  37. Liu, H., Xu, Y., Zhang, R., Nie, J., Rule, A., Rozelle, S., & Yuan, L. (2024). Comparing the payoff to vocational and academic secondary education in China over time. International Journal of Educational Development, 107, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2024.103038
  38. Lv, X., Zhang, K., Liu, Y., Wang, C., & Wang, Y. (2023). Why Chinese hospitality management undergraduates give up a hotel career: The effects of perceived occupational stigma and perceived work dirtiness. Current Issues in Tourism, 26(17), 2863–2882. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2022.2101437
  39. McKercher, B., Wong, C. U., & Ren, L. (2023). Are we teaching right things? Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism, 24(1), 1–9.
  40. MTEGM (Mesleki ve Teknik Eğitim Genel Müdürlüğü). (2020). İş pedagojisi kursu usta öğreticilik öğretim materyali. MEB Yayınları.
  41. Mintzberg, H. (1993). Structure in fives: Designing effective organizations. Prentice Hall.
  42. Molgat, M., Deschenaux, F., & LeBlanc, P. (2011). Vocational education in Canada: Do policy directions and youth trajectories always meet? Journal of Vocational Education & Training, 63(4), 505–524. https://doi.org/10.1080/13636820.2011. 580361
  43. OECD. (2023). Spotlight on vocational education and training: Findings from Education at a Glance 2023. OECD Publishing.
  44. Özer, M. (2020). Türkiye’nin mesleki eğitim ile imtihanı. Maltepe Üniversitesi Yayınları.
  45. Özer, M., & Suna, H. E. (2019). Türkiye’de mesleki ve teknik eğitimin geleceği: 2023 eğitim vizyonu sonrası atılan somut adımlar. Eğitim ve İnsani Bilimler Dergisi, 10(20), 166–192.
  46. Parasuraman, A., Zeithaml, V. A., & Berry, L. L. (1990). Delivering quality service. Free Press.
  47. Pugacheva, N. B., Kirillova, T. V., Ovchinnikova, I. G., Kudyashev, N. K., Lunev, A. N., Pavlova, O. A., Kashina, S. G., & Valeyev, A. S. (2016). The mechanism of state-public management of vocational education in the region. International Review of Management and Marketing, 6(S2), 6–11.
  48. Pugh, D. S., Hickson, D. J., & Hinings, C. R. (1969). An empirical taxonomy of structures of work organizations. Administrative Science Quarterly, 14(1), 115–126.
  49. Raj, V. A., Jasrotia, S. S., & Rai, S. S. (2024). Mapping the research landscape of vocational education and entrepreneurship: Insights and future directions. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 14(2), 180–198.
  50. Sanderse, W. (2024). Vocational education and Bildung: A marriage or divorce? Journal of Vocational Education & Training, 76(1), 146–163. https://doi.org/10.1080/13636820.2021.2015714
  51. Seraphin, H., Bah, M., Fyall, A., & Gowreesunkar, V. G. B. (2021). Tourism education in France and sustainable development goal 4 (quality education). Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, 13(1), 139–147.
  52. Sharpley, R. (2000). Tourism and sustainable development: Exploring the theoretical divide. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 8(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669580008667346
  53. Sheldon, P. J., Fesenmaier, D. R., & Tribe, J. (2011). The tourism education futures initiative (TEFI): Activating change in tourism education. Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism, 11(1), 2–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/15313220.2011.548728
  54. Söyük, S., & Gün, İ. (2017). Sağlık yönetimi stajyer öğrencilerinin yeterliliklerinin değerlendirilmesi: Bir alan araştırması. Sağlık Bilimleri ve Meslekleri Dergisi, 4(2), 111–118.
  55. Stoner, K. R., Tarrant, M. A., Perry, L., Stoner, L., Wearing, S., & Lyons, K. (2014). Global citizenship as a learning outcome of educational travel. Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism, 14(2), 149–163. https://doi.org/10.1080/15313220.2014
  56. Sweller, J. (1994). Cognitive load theory, learning difficulty, and instructional design. Learning and Instruction, 4(4), 295–312. https://doi.org/10.1016/0959-4752(94)90003-5
  57. Tavşancıl, E. (2005). Tutumların ölçülmesi ve SPSS ile veri analizi. Nobel Yayınları.
  58. Terentyeva, I. V., Kirillova, O., Kirillova, T., Pugacheva, N., Lunev, A., Chemerilova, I., & Luchinina, A. (2018). Arrangement of cooperation between labour market and regional vocational education system. International Journal of Educational Management, 32(6), 1041–1055.
  59. Terry, R., & Orr, K. (2024). Raising the value of VET through qualification reform: The case of English T levels. Journal of Vocational Education & Training, 76(2), 310–328.
  60. Tran, L. N. (2026). A perspective on teaching business ethics to students of higher hospitality and tourism education. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 38(1), 27–31.
  61. TUIK (Turkish Statistical Institute). (2023). Tourism statistics IV. quarter: October–December 2023 (St. Brief No. 53661).
  62. Wang, J., Ayres, H., & Huyton, J. (2010). Is tourism education meeting the needs of the tourism industry? An Australian case study. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 22(1), 8–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/10963758.2010.10696964
  63. Widianingsih, I., Purwaamijaya, I. M., & Dwiyanti, V. (2018). Vocational education: Assessment, classification and the realm of research developments. Innovation of Vocational Technology Education, 14(2), 85–90.
  64. World Economic Forum. (2022). The future of jobs report 2022. Geneva, Switzerland.
  65. Yang, X. (2025). Digital transformation of tourism education: Technologies, opportunities, challenges, and future research agenda. Journal of Tourism Theory and Research, 11(1), 38-46. https://doi.org/10.24288/jttr.1516114
  66. Yasdin, Y., Parenrengi, S., Hasriani, H., & Mahande, R. D. (2023). Policies and politics development of vocational education in Indonesia: A historical perspective. Asian Education and Development Studies, 12(4), 297–309.