TCDD (Turkish State Railways) is a 167-year-old public institution responsible for the operation, expansion, and renovation of railway lines. It operates through 23 main departments, 4 consultancy and control units, 8 regional directorates, 1 subsidiary (TCDD Taşımacılık AŞ), and 5 affiliated companies. Additionally, TCDD manages 7 major ports in Turkey.
Its main functions include constructing and operating high-speed and conventional railway infrastructure, managing railway traffic, operating ports and ferries, manufacturing rolling stock, and coordinating its subsidiaries and affiliated companies. TCDD employs approximately 13,000 individuals and has an equal number of learners.
The TCDD Training Department, established in 1981, coordinates vocational education and training for railway staff. It operates 3 railway training and exam centers, 50 permanent teachers, 150 internal trainers, numerous classroom and online programs, and various simulators. The department can train up to 50,000 participants annually across approximately 1,000 programs. It also hosts the Middle East Railway Training Center (MERTCe) and collaborates with the Turkish Vocational Qualifications Authority and RAYTEST for certification.
