06.01.2026 17:05
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that they have launched the "First Step to Employment Program" to support youth employment. With this program, the portion of wages and insurance premiums that corresponds to the net minimum wage for young people aged 18-25 is covered by the Unemployment Insurance Fund during their first job entry; the support lasts for up to 6 months and aims for permanent employment.
President Erdoğan attended the 'Youth Employment Initiative-Power Promotion Program' at the Beştepe National Congress and Culture Center. President Erdoğan announced that they have taken an important step to support youth employment. He revealed that with the "First Step to Work Program" launched for young people aged 18-25, the first 6 months' salary will be covered by the state, and that young participants in the program will receive a daily pocket money of 1375 TL, while the premiums for work accidents, occupational diseases, and general health insurance will also be covered by the state. So, what is the First Step to Work Program?
A MODEL SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE'S FIRST STEP INTO WORK
For young people, the first work experience is seen not only as a beginning but as one of the most critical steps into working life. In this context, the "First Step to Work Program (Wage Subsidy)" initiated by İŞKUR aims to enable young people to participate in the labor market in a stronger and more sustainable way. The program is implemented in collaboration with the private sector.
REDUCING BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT WITH WAGE SUPPORT
Thanks to the wage support offered to employers within the program, it is aimed to reduce the financial barriers to youth employment. Thus, it is intended to facilitate the faster inclusion of young people in the labor market and to support their permanent participation in employment.
SALARY SUPPORT FOR 6 MONTHS FOR THE 18-25 AGE GROUP
In the First Step to Work Program, the portion of the salary and insurance premiums corresponding to the net minimum wage for young people aged 18-25 at their first job entry is covered by the Unemployment Insurance Fund. The support duration can be applied for up to six months. This model aims to encourage young people to enter the labor market at an early age and to increase job opportunities through additional employment.
AIMING FOR TRANSITION TO PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT
Among the main objectives of the program are to enable young people to gain work experience, to allow the private sector to access qualified young labor more easily, and to reduce the structural effects of youth unemployment. This application by İŞKUR stands out as an important employment tool that supports young people in making a solid start to working life and aims to transform their first job into permanent employment.