Samsun EU Information Center, which continues its activities under the umbrella of Samsun TSO, organized a 'Digital Skills Training' for the students of Istiklal Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School.

Within the framework of the European Commission declaring 2023 as the 'European Year of Skills', a one-day 'Digital Skills Training' was organized by Samsun European Union (EU) Information Centre, which continues its activities under the roof of Samsun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (STSO). Nearly 30 students from Samsun İstiklal Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School attended the training, which was held with the support of Samsun University. At the event, Samsun University Communication Design Department Head Assoc. Dr. Cumhur Türk, talked on 'Digital Literacy', Samsun University, Deputy Head of Communication Design Department, Dr. Merve Ergüney gave a speech on 'Social Media and Its Effects' and Samsun TSO Information Technology Manager Burak Şekercioğlu was gave a speech on 'Data Analysis'. Also in the program, Helimore Aviation R&D Design Engineering Technology Manufacturing Industry Ltd. operating in Samsun. Ltd. Company officials also presented the company to the students.

Those without digital knowledge are at a disadvantage

Salih Zeki Murzioğlu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Samsun TSO, stated that with the transition from the industrial society to the information society, technology is developing rapidly, the amount of information available and access to information is increasing, and said, “Inequalities experienced due to access to information and communication technologies and deficiencies in digital skills cause the digital divide. For this reason, it has become inevitable for individuals to renew or gain skills in order to keep up with and cope with changes at every stage of their lives. While 44 percent of adults in Europe do not have basic digital skills, this rate is 72 percent in our country. In order for individuals to play an active role in society, they must have sufficient digital competence. Adults who lack basic digital skills face a high risk of social exclusion. "Individuals who are in the disadvantaged part of the digital divide are excluded from many areas of life," he said.

The aim is to increase young people's self-awareness

In his statement, Murzioğlu pointed out that adults who do not have digital skills are less likely to participate in working life in Turkey, as in most OECD countries, and said, "In addition, they are more likely to be unemployed than more qualified adults. It has been observed that those who do not have digital skills are not only less likely to find a job, but even if they do find a job, they are paid lower wages. Based on the European Commission's declaration of 2023 as the European Year of Skills, we, as Samsun EU Information Center, organized such an event. Our aim is to increase participants' self-awareness in these areas and contribute to their personal transformation plans. "Thus, it is to contribute to their ability to take more part in social and business life," he said.