Since 2019, under the coordination of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Human Resources Office, Regional Career Fairs have been organized across different regions of Türkiye to enable higher education students and graduates to engage with the business world, access employment opportunities, and closely get to know employers. As part of the 2026 program, these fairs will be held under the coordination of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security of Türkiye and the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR), hosted by designated higher education institutions. On April 21–22, 2026, hosted by our University, the Eastern Black Sea Career Fair 2026 (DOKKAF’26), held for the 6^th time this year with the partnership of Artvin Çoruh University, Avrasya University, Bayburt University, Giresun University, Gümüşhane University, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, and Trabzon University, aims to bring together graduates and prospective graduates with corporate companies, thereby creating an environment where job opportunities can be secured and students can access internship opportunities.

The Opening Ceremony of DOKKAF’26 was held on April 21, 2026, at the Prof. Dr. Osman Turan Culture and Convention Center, with the participation of Trabzon Governor Tahir Şahin; Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security Dr. Adnan Ertem; Director General of Personnel and Principles at the Presidency Bilal Şentürk; Commander of the 17^th Commando Brigade and Garrison Brigadier General Burak Yılmaz; Mayor of Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality, Attorney Ahmet Metin Genç; Chief Public Prosecutor of Trabzon Sedat Çelik; our Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı; Rector of Artvin Çoruh University Prof. Dr. İbrahim Aydın; Rector of Avrasya University Prof. Dr. Mahir Kadakal; Rector of Bayburt University Prof. Dr. Mutlu Türkmen; Acting Rector of Giresun University Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Şahin; Acting Rector of Gümüşhane University Prof. Dr. Rıdvan Şahin; Acting Rector of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Prof. Dr. Göktuğ Dalgıç; Rector of Trabzon University Prof. Dr. Emin Aşıkkutlu; Deputy General Manager of İŞKUR Oğuz Özdemir; Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Brigadier General Bahittin Murat Yakın; Provincial Police Chief Ali Loğoğlu; Eastern Black Sea Group Commander of the Coast Guard, Senior Major Aytaç Bayırlı; Director of Şehit Meriç Alemdar Police Vocational Training Center İsmail Akıntürk; along with provincial protocol members, representatives of public institutions and organizations, private sector representatives, members of the press, and hundreds of students.

“As Karadeniz Technical University, We Bear the Responsibility of Producing Knowledge and Educating Individuals”

Following a moment of silence and the National Anthem, the Director of our University’s Career Development Application and Research Center, Prof. Dr. Hülya Kalaycıoğlu, delivered the opening speech, greeting protocol members and participants. Afterwards, our Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı addressed the audience: “Today, we are witnessing a strong will where effort, hope, and opportunity come together on common ground. The Eastern Black Sea Career Fair, organized in cooperation with Trabzon İŞKUR Provincial Directorate and supported by neighbouring universities, is more than an event, it represents trust in the region’s human resources, the value placed on collective wisdom, and a bridge built toward the future. Held this year under the theme ‘The Age of Youth Production,’ this gathering reflects a strong vision that encourages young people’s direct participation in production, employment, and development. As Karadeniz Technical University, we carry the responsibility of being an institution that produces knowledge, educates individuals, and shapes its region. In line with this responsibility, we consider it our primary duty to make the potential of our youth visible, connect them with the right opportunities, and contribute strongly to our country’s development journey.” He also stated that, within the scope of the İŞKUR Youth Program, 1,078 students have been employed at the University and expressed gratitude to all institutions, companies, and staff contributing to the fair. Following the Rector’s speech, attendees watched the İŞKUR promotional video. Afterwards, Mayor Ahmet Metin Genç, Director General Bilal Şentürk, Deputy Minister Dr. Adnan Ertem, and Governor Tahir Şahin emphasized how this comprehensive organization would contribute to students and graduates, provide career opportunities, and support them in discovering their talents.

Mayor Genç stated that, “The theme of the fair, ‘The Age of Youth Production,’ is very important. We are going through a time when it is not enough to be strong; we must remain strong. And for that, we must produce. The more we produce, the stronger we become.” Director General of Personnel and Principles at the Presidency Bilal Şentürk stated, “The main goal of Regional Career Fairs is to bring young people together with the business world… What we truly aim for is to prepare our youth for life.” Deputy Minister Dr. Adnan Ertem emphasized that, “Trabzon, with its deep-rooted history, strong human capital, and production potential, holds a strategic position not only for the Eastern Black Sea Region but also for our country’s development and employment goals.” Governor Tahir Şahin stated, “If youth are strong, nations remain standing… This fair will be highly effective in helping our young people understand life earlier and strive more.” Following the speeches, the opening ribbon was cut with protocol members. After the ceremony, the Rector, protocol members, and guests toured the fair area, engaging with students and company representatives.

Held on April 21–22, 2026, under the theme “The Age of Youth Production,” and now established as a tradition attracting significant interest, DOKKAF’26 aims to instill awareness among young people that they are talented, ensure equal access to job and internship opportunities, and increase employability rates. The fair, where students had the opportunity to meet representatives of public institutions and private sector companies one-on-one and participate in interviews, attracted over 20,000 visitors.

 

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