Employment support continues with the Work Based Learning Programme (WBL)

The International Labour Organization (ILO) keeps supporting employment opportunities with the recently launched Work Based Learning Programme (WBL). Through this comprehensive and inclusive Programme, employers and job seekers are supported to cope with the increasing difficulties they are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

News | 07 October 2020
© Kivanc Ozvardar / ILO
The WBL programme is a support scheme implemented under the “Promoting Decent Work for Syrians under Temporary Protection and Turkish Citizens Project”. The programme is open to employers from all sectors who fulfil their obligations concerning labour and security laws and regulations.

The WBL programme aims to:

  • build the skills of Turkish and Syrian workers so that they are qualified to participate in the formal labour market,
  • increase decent work opportunities, giving special attention to women, youth and persons with disabilities,
  • fill skills gaps and respond to the needs of employers for a qualified workforce.

The financial support for employers and employees placed into jobs via WBL scheme includes the following:

  • Monthly wage subsidy for each participant
  • Monthly social security premium support
  • Additional wage subsidy for women and persons with disabilities
  • Childcare services support for women beneficiaries
  • One-time work permit fee reimbursement for Syrian refugees
  • Support for continuity of employment: Some of the financial support will continue if the trainees are kept in employment after the WBL duration.
© Kivanc Ozvardar / ILO

Women, youth and persons with disabilities are encouraged to enrol

Given the low employment figures of young people, women and persons with disabilities, the WBL scheme will give preferential treatment to these groups.

During the programme, participants will spend 90% of their working time in the company acquiring new skills on the job. 10% of their working time will be dedicated to off-the-job training covering topics such as labour standards, the importance of occupational safety and health as well as gender equality. Moreover, special attention will be given to the integration of Syrian workers in the workplace by offering language as well as workplace adaptation training.

The WBL programme is a part of a project funded by the Federal Republic of Germany through the German Development Bank (KfW) and is implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for Turkey in coordination with the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services.


The link for employers to apply is here, and for job seekers to apply can be found here.