Türkiye 2nd National Event in Ankara: Bridging Academia, VET, and Aerospace Leaders

On 11 December 2025, the AILEEN Türkiye team hosted its Second National Event at the METU Culture and Convention Centre (KKM). Organized by METU KATAMER, the gathering served as a key milestone in the project’s Work Package activities dedicated to European dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and skills development.

The event successfully brought together 105 key stakeholders from across the aerospace and defence industry, academia, research institutions, and the vocational education and training (VET) ecosystem.

Designed to increase awareness of the Erasmus+ AILEEN project, the national event showcased the CoVEs concept—a strategic framework aimed at aligning advanced technical training with the rapidly evolving demands of the aerospace and defence sectors.

Following an opening presentation on the AILEEN project's vision, objectives, and consortium impacts, the floor was turned over to industry experts. Technical sessions featured insights from leading defense and manufacturing organizations, including Lucas Milhaupt, TEI, ROKETSAN, TUSAŞ, and EGE NDT Consultants.

Key technical themes covered included:
• Vacuum & Brazing Applications: Advanced joining techniques for extreme operating environments.
• Aerospace Engine R&D: Next-generation design and testing methodologies.
• Quality Assurance & NDT: Non-destructive testing innovations, computed tomography, and artificial defect criteria.
• Maintenance & Inspection: Optimized workflows and liquid penetrant testing protocols within aerospace manufacturing.

The 2nd National Event engaged a diverse and dynamic audience, including:
• Industry Professionals: Specialists in non-destructive testing (NDT), welding, and advanced manufacturing.
• Academic & Research Community: University researchers, professors, and engineering students.
• VET Stakeholders: Vocational education providers, curriculum leaders, and skill development advocates interested in the CoVE model.

Participant feedback reflected a high level of satisfaction with both the technical depth of the agenda and the strategic relevance of the AILEEN initiative. The event successfully amplified AILEEN’s presence in Türkiye, spurred new cross-sector partnerships, and laid the groundwork for future vocational training collaborations.