PARTNERS

The coordinator of the TWIN TRANSFORMATION project is Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen-TESK.

TESK is one of Turkey’s largest non-governmental organizations, representing nearly 2.1 million tradesmen and craftsmen, most of whom operate as SMEs in the service and production sectors. With a nationwide structure comprising 13 sectoral federations, 82 unions, and over 3,000 local chambers, TESK safeguards the interests of its members, promotes professional development, and ensures alignment with economic and social advancements.

As a key vocational training provider, TESK supports apprenticeship programs, certification processes, and workplace consultancy services. It also plays a vital role in policy-making, advocating for tradesmen and craftsmen at national and international levels. With its extensive experience and capacity, TESK is instrumental in disseminating best practices and fostering sector-wide improvements in Turkey.

More information: TESK | Türkiye Esnaf ve Sanatkârları Konfederasyonu

The General Directorate of Tradesmen, Craftsmen, and Cooperatives is a central unit under the Turkish Ministry of Trade, dedicated to shaping policies and supporting the development of small businesses, artisans, and cooperatives.

Its key responsibilities include identifying sectoral challenges, proposing solutions, enhancing competitiveness, and promoting research, development, and innovation. The Directorate also facilitates financial incentives, marketing support, and access to resources, ensuring that tradesmen and craftsmen have the necessary tools to grow and adapt to evolving market demands.

By working closely with public institutions, industry stakeholders, and international partners, the General Directorate plays a vital role in regulating and advancing the sector, making it a strategic partner in this European project.

More information: Republic of Türkiye - Ministry of Trade

TUAF is a sectoral public institution representing 25,000 tradesmen and craftsmen in the Turkish shoemaking industry through 64 vocational chambers. Established in Ankara under the Tradesmen and Craftsmen Law No. 5362, TUAF is dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of its members while promoting professional and technical development.

The federation actively supports its members through training, consultancy, trade fairs, and collaboration with industry organizations. As part of its commitment to innovation and growth, TUAF is participating in a European project for the first time, aiming to enhance sustainability and competitiveness in the sector.

More information: www.ayakkabicilarfederasyonu.com

Established in 1985, Siteler Vocational Training Centre is a vocational and technical education institution affiliated with the Turkish Ministry of National Education. The centre offers a wide range of vocational courses, including computer-aided design (AutoCAD), hygiene training, and occupational safety programs, and has trained thousands of professionals across various sectors.

Siteler VTC has extensive experience in EU-funded projects, including Leonardo da Vinci and Erasmus+ programs, and was a pilot institution in the VET4JOB Program, supported by the EU’s FRIT Fund. The institution specializes in identifying and integrating digital and green skills into vocational training programs, preparing digital training materials, and conducting pilot trainings and dissemination activities.

With a team of experienced administrators and vocational teachers, Siteler VTC plays a key role in workforce upskilling and employment-focused education.

More information: ANKARA / ALTINDAĞ - Siteler Mesleki Eğitim Merkezi

The Climate Change Policy and Research Association was founded in 2018 as a non- governmental organization (NGO) in Ankara, the capital of Turkey. It is officially registered under the number 06-130-172. Since its establishment, the association has been actively involved in various projects addressing climate change, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), environmental issues, and energy efficiency.

The association’s primary mission is to conduct both national and international research on climate change, support the updating of relevant legislation, and promote more efficient and effective research and development (R&D) studies in the academic field related to climate change.

Additionally, the association strives to influence and guide national policies on climate change, ensuring that Turkey is prepared to tackle these pressing environmental challenges.

The board of the association comprises a diverse group of highly qualified professionals, including renowned engineers, social scientists, and experts in environmental law.

More information: İklim Değişikliği Politika ve Araştırma Derneği

The National Confederation of Craftsmen and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises is a regional branch of CNA, the Italian association of craft, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), representing over 19,000 companies with 55,000 employees across various sectors, including IT, tourism, construction, and manufacturing. Established in 1947, CNA provides comprehensive business support at national, regional, and provincial levels.

CNA Marche offers training, consulting, and business development services, focusing on upskilling, innovation, sustainability, internationalization, financial and legal advisory, and social welfare. It also conducts research on labour market needs and fosters strategic partnerships to enhance SME competitiveness.

As a key player in vocational training and economic policy advocacy, CNA Marche actively supports SME growth, organizes sectoral events, and collaborates with national and European stakeholders to drive business innovation and sustainability.

More information: Homepage - Cna Marche

Founded in 2010, AVECAL is a non-profit organization dedicated to representing and defending the interests of footwear industry business owners in the Valencian Community, a region that accounts for 70% of the Spanish footwear sector. With a strong foundation in local industry associationism, AVECAL provides specialized services to enhance competitiveness, focusing on innovation, internationalization, talent management, and productivity improvement.

The association offers support in business innovation, training, employment services, legal and economic advisory, and international trade assistance, ensuring adaptability to the industry's evolving needs. As a dynamic and forward- thinking employers' association, AVECAL plays a crucial role in fostering growth and sustainability within the European footwear sector.

More information: Asociación Valenciana de Empresarios del Calzado (AVECAL)

CTCP is a private, non-profit organization, founded in 1986, with facilities in the north of Portugal near the main Footwear industrial areas. CTCP aims to support all companies within the Portuguese Footwear Cluster in various areas related to their competitiveness, including Quality Control, Consultancy, Training, Marketing and Promotion, Research and Development, Health & Safety, Environment, Business Intelligence, Studies, and Comparative Research. In the field of training/employment, CTCP offers a wide range of courses in several modalities, such as classical training, work-based learning, training-action, and b-learning.

With extensive experience in National and Europan projects and a partnership with more than 150 national and 50 international partners, CTCP has been at the service of the industry since 1986.

More information: Centro Tecnológico do Calçado de Portugal (CTCP)