The MERTUSEG Project, formally titled “Empowerment of Mersin’s Youth for the Tourism Sector, is a skills training and employment initiative led by Mersin Metropolitan Municipality in collaboration with Mersin University and supported by the Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security. It is financed by the European Union and focuses on increasing the employability of young people in Mersin by preparing them for careers in the tourism and hospitality industry.
The project targets young people aged 18–29 who are classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), providing free vocational education, practical training, and job readiness support to help them enter the tourism workforce. A total of 45 participants, 30 women and 15 men, are enrolled in the program, receiving training in areas such as front desk (reception), restaurant services, and housekeeping. Participants are also registered with the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR) to support job placement opportunities.
Throughout the project, trainees receive a combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on experience, including practical work placements, sector familiarization visits to hotels and establishments in both Mersin and Antalya, and exposure to real workplace environments. At the conclusion of the training period, which spans several months, participants earn a vocational training certificate approved by Mersin University’s Continuous Education Center, enhancing their prospects for long-term employment.
In addition to technical skills, the project provides career development support, such as individual action planning, confidence building, social skills workshops, and job search preparation through partnerships with the Municipality’s Career Center and İŞKUR. Workshops and employer networking events further connect participants with potential employers, facilitating smoother transitions into the labor market.
Over time, MERTUSEG has shown promising results, with many participants securing employment in hotels and tourism businesses even before the formal completion of the training. Graduates have taken positions in reception, restaurant service, and housekeeping roles both locally and beyond, demonstrating the effectiveness of the project’s training and support model.
The MERTUSEG Project reflects Mersin Metropolitan Municipality’s commitment to youth empowerment, workforce development, and social inclusion, addressing both the employment needs of young people and the labor demands of the tourism sector — a key economic area for the city.
