As part of the “Alumni Career Meetings” events organized by the Oğuzeli Vocational School of Gaziantep University (GAÜN), students from the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) program met with Occupational Safety Specialist Galip Sönmez.
Speaking at the event’s opening, GAÜN Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Çevik Taşdemir emphasized that occupational health and safety is not merely a legal requirement but a culture centered on human life—a subject that cannot be neglected. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taşdemir said, “It is of great importance for our graduates to share these valuable experiences they have gained in the field with our students, as this helps transform theoretical knowledge into practical application.”
Occupational Safety Specialist Galip Sönmez, who participated as a speaker at the conference, provided information on post-graduation job search processes, key considerations when taking the first steps in the profession, and practical challenges encountered in the field. In his presentation, Sönmez said, “Accidents don’t announce themselves in the field, but the right precautions and appropriate equipment can definitely save lives. My biggest advice to my young colleagues is: never compromise on safety rules,” he said.
MEANINGFUL DONATION TO THE OHS LABORATORY
During the event, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was demonstrated through hands-on training. Sönmez demonstrated to the students how to properly use equipment such as work boots, protective gloves, respirators, and, particularly for work at heights, shock-absorbing safety harnesses. Following this hands-on training, Sönmez donated all the personal protective equipment he had demonstrated to the Occupational Health and Safety Laboratory, which is set to open soon at Oğuzeli Vocational School, thereby making a meaningful contribution to the school and his future colleagues.
Speaking about the event, Oğuzeli Vocational School Director Prof. Dr. Tuba Direkçi emphasized the importance of the connection between the university and the industry, stating: “One of the most important ways to enhance educational equity and quality is to expose our students to the realities and experiences of the industry. “The fact that one of our graduates, who grew up among our own ranks, has returned to our school years later with the field expertise he has acquired to guide his peers is the most beautiful reflection of our university’s vision. On behalf of our school, I would like to thank our valued graduate Galip Sönmez for this meaningful equipment donation to our upcoming Occupational Health and Safety Laboratory and for his insightful contributions.”
GAÜN Lecturer Yaşar Ede, emphasizing that occupational safety expertise requires a high sense of responsibility, stated, “The field awareness and reflex to anticipate hazards that our graduate has instilled in our students today will be their greatest guide in their professional careers.”
At the event, which drew significant interest from students, GAÜN Lecturer Ziya Ersoy also remarked, “Every physical contribution to education is a step toward a safer future. This meaningful donation to our laboratory will directly enhance the quality of our education.”
