Trainee Opinions about Non - Formal Education Activities of Local Governments: The Case of ISMEK Language Courses

The aim of this study was to find out opinions and expectations of the trainees regarding thelanguage courses offered in the Art and Vocational Training courses by the MetropolitanMunicipality of Istanbul (ISMEK). A qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological design wasused in this study. Purposeful sampling method was adopted to form the study group. Whileconducting purposeful sampling, maximum variation sampling strategy was used to ensure anadequate selection from a wide range of cases. The study group consisted of 25 trainees enrolledin language courses offered by the Fatih sub-office of ISMEK. The data was gathered fromvolunteer participants through semi-structured interviews. For this purpose, a semi-structuredinterview form was developed. The data was then analyzed by using the content analysistechnique. According to the results of thestudy, the free language training offered by ISMEKwas the most important reason preferred by participants. The quality of the courses and thecertificates granted to trainees by ISMEK were also important reasons of preference. Traineeswere found to haveenrolled in these courses for economic purposes such as gaining advantagein finding a job, self-development, realizing career goals, sustaining their current professionsand not having problems abroad. A majority of the participants thought that the ISMEKcertificate should have a positive impact on their careers. ISMEK’s offer of socializationopportunities was found to be the most important contribution to the participants’ personal lives