The furniture industry faces a shortage of skilled workers
The furniture industry, which has reached an annual production volume of 12 billion dollars, exports to 200 countries, and employs 500,000 people, is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled and intermediate workers. Representatives of the sector suggest that vocational high schools should be encouraged more and some tax advantages should be offered to employees in the manufacturing industry to address this issue. They warned that if the shortage of workers continues, production problems may arise.
Ahmet Güleç, the President of the Furniture Associations Federation (MOSFED), stated that the Turkish furniture sector has been successful in global trade, production, value-added, and design in the last 20 years. He mentioned that during this period, Turkey has risen to 7th place in global furniture exports, entered the top 12 countries in production, and secured top positions in design. Güleç emphasized that the key factor behind our success in the last 20 years is production, with 46,000 furniture manufacturing companies in the sector.
The Success Story of Turkish Furniture Industry
10% of auxiliary companies and 5% of manufacturing industry workers are involved in the furniture sector. Our companies contribute to employment, exports, and added value. While 10 years ago we had a 0.7% share in global furniture trade, today we have a 2% share. Our share in Turkey’s exports has also increased from 0.8% to over 2%.
“We have a success story in furniture, our products are preferred worldwide”
Ahmet Güleç pointed out that the data he mentioned shows that Turkey has achieved a success story in the furniture industry, emphasizing that Turkish furniture is preferred from all around the world. Güleç explained that Turkey, which had a trade deficit in furniture 20 years ago, currently has an annual export success of $5 billion, with only $500 million in imports, resulting in a net $4.5 billion trade surplus. He also mentioned that the sector, which is 80% domestic, needs to grow even more.
Challenges in the Furniture Industry in 2028
In 2028, the global furniture industry faces a major challenge in finding skilled workers for manufacturing. Despite aiming to become the top 5 furniture exporters and manufacturers in the world with a target of $12 billion in exports, companies struggle to find employees willing to work in production.
The Importance of Skilled Labor
The President of MOSFED highlighted the need for skilled workers in the furniture industry, emphasizing that production requires a workforce with expertise. Currently, the industry employs 260,000 people directly in furniture manufacturing and a total of 500,000 including stores. However, finding individuals willing to work in manufacturing remains a significant obstacle.
Addressing the Labor Shortage
The shortage of workers in manufacturing poses a serious threat to the industry’s growth and competitiveness. Without a skilled workforce, companies may struggle to meet their export targets and maintain their position in the global market. It is essential for businesses to attract and retain talented employees to ensure the success of the furniture industry.
The Importance of Vocational Training in the Furniture Industry
In the furniture industry, there are approximately 30 different professions available. With new technologies emerging, this number may increase to 35. However, we are facing a challenge in finding skilled workers to fill these positions. It is essential to promote vocational schools to train individuals for these professions. Why are people not choosing to work in this industry? It is crucial for both civil society, manufacturers, and the government to take this issue seriously. If our people are not interested in working in furniture production, we need to reflect on why.
The Need for Skilled Workers in the Furniture Industry
Güleç emphasized the high demand for various professions in the industry, stating, “Whether it’s a woodcarver, upholsterer, sewing master, CNC operator, or a general worker, we need all of them.” Addressing the challenges faced in the overall economy and the furniture sector, Güleç expressed optimism that these issues can be overcome over time. However, he warned that if we cannot find enough workers, we risk losing our markets. With exports to 200 countries and Turkish furniture being present worldwide, the inability to produce goods efficiently could jeopardize our position in the global market.
The Importance of Skilled Labor in the Furniture Industry
In a recent interview, industry expert Mr. Güleç emphasized the crucial role that parents play in addressing the employment challenges in the furniture sector. He encouraged parents to guide their children towards vocational schools and apprenticeship programs in the industry, highlighting the abundance of job opportunities and the promising future that a career in furniture manufacturing can offer.
Mr. Güleç also discussed the competitive salaries and earnings potential in the sector, noting that skilled workers are highly valued and well-compensated. He shared insights from companies engaged in value-added production, who prioritize hiring skilled workers and have no issues with wage levels. He stressed the need to reward manufacturing sector employees through favorable tax policies, questioning why workers in potentially hazardous environments should be subject to the same tax rates as others.
Supporting Social Prestige in Manufacturing Industry
At a recent event, the speaker highlighted the importance of supporting retirement benefits for workers at the seniority level. He emphasized that providing social prestige to those working in the manufacturing industry is crucial. Without a country’s ability to produce, it cannot close its trade deficit. Value-added production is not limited to electronics, but also includes furniture, textiles, metals, and manufacturing. Manufacturing is essential for our future.
“We are Ready to Employ Everyone Graduating from the Furniture Department”
Ahmet Güleç, speaking on behalf of MOSFED, mentioned a previous partnership with the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education. He stated that they are prepared to employ anyone graduating from the furniture department of vocational schools. Regardless of the region or the number of graduates, they are willing to provide employment opportunities. With the support of 15 furniture associations, they are committed to encouraging people to choose vocational schools.
Challenges in the Furniture Industry
We are ready to do whatever it takes to work in the field. “The future of Turkey is in exports,” we say, but the future of exports is also in manufacturing,” he stated. Even in companies with the least personnel problems, there is a 30% shortage of blue-collar workers,” said Modoko President Koray Çalışkan, mentioning the shortage of skilled and intermediate workers in the sector.
Çalışkan also mentioned that despite the sector’s revenue and export figures being the same as last year, they are facing serious difficulties. “The furniture sector is a sector indirectly employing 500,000 people. As I mentioned, although our sector has not grown compared to last year, we are having trouble finding personnel. No matter which company you go to, even in the company with the least personnel problems, there is a 30% shortage of blue-collar workers,” he said.
As part of efforts to find a solution to this problem, in Ümraniye, one of the regions with the highest number of furniture manufacturers in Turkey, efforts are being made to address this issue.
Collaboration with the Directorate of National Education and the District Governorship
Working in collaboration with the Directorate of National Education and the District Governorship, Mr. Çalışkan explained that they gathered all the primary school principals under the leadership of the District Governor. “We advised that children with low academic achievements should consider choosing vocational high schools when entering the High School Transition Exam,” he said.
Increase in Income in the Manufacturing Industry
Emphasizing the increase in incomes of those working in the manufacturing industry, Çalışkan stated, “Why? Because there are not enough skilled workers. In Europe, you see a skilled worker almost going with a jeep to a job site. We are slowly starting to see this in our country as well.”
“They Can Establish Their Own Businesses After a While”
Koray Çalışkan mentioned that even those who start in the furniture production sector as apprentices can eventually establish their own businesses, and that many of the owners of companies in the sector come from a background of craftsmanship. He highlighted the need for all kinds of personnel, from metalworkers to polishers and unskilled laborers.
The Importance of Furniture in Daily Life
From the cradle a baby needs to the coffin required for burial, furniture plays a crucial role in every person’s life. In order to maintain Turkey’s advantage in the industry, it is important to encourage young people to engage in furniture production and support the sector.
It is emphasized that manufacturing companies need to be supported and projects need to be developed for them. It is also warned that if the shortage of skilled workers in the furniture industry continues, imports and product prices will increase.
Speaking to young people considering a career in the sector, it is suggested that working in the industry can bring benefits not only to oneself but also to the economy, the country, and the nation as a whole. Industries like furniture have proven to be advantageous for everyone involved.
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