The Success Story of Zonguldak's "Green-Collars" in the Heart of Europe

The city of Zonguldak in Turkey, which for decades was known as the beating heart of the country's coal production, is now witnessing a modern industrial revolution. According to reports published in July 2026, a group of technical specialists from this region, known as "Green-Collars," have managed to pave the way for success in European countries by relying on their skills in the field of clean energy [1].

Transformation from Black Economy to Green Expertise In recent years, Zonguldak has begun an extensive effort to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. This transformation, led by the support of the Western Black Sea Development Agency (BAKKA), focuses on training a skilled workforce for low-carbon industries [2]. The "green-collar" forces include wind turbine technicians, solar panel specialists, and energy efficiency experts who have replaced the traditional roles of miners.

Penetration into European Markets Recent success, reflected in media outlets such as "Safak Gazete," indicates the European Union's high demand for specialized Turkish labor in green infrastructure projects [1]. These specialists are not only leaders in the installation and operation of renewable energy systems but, due to high educational standards, have also managed to obtain valid international certifications that allow them to work on major projects in Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark [3].

The Role of Education and Global Standards One of the main keys to this success is the alignment of technical training programs in Zonguldak with the standards of the "European Green Deal." Investment in vocational training centers has enabled former mine workers and job-seeking youth to become globally competitive through specialized retraining [2]. This model is now considered a roadmap for other industrial cities in Turkey facing the challenges of climate change.

Future Outlook for Sustainable Employment Experts believe that Zonguldak's success story is only the beginning of a larger trend. With increasing investments in the renewable energy sector, the number of "green-collars" sent to Europe is expected to double in the coming years [3]. This not only helps reduce the unemployment rate in the region but also solidifies Turkey's position as a key provider of technical services in Europe's green energy supply chain.