This paper examines the changes in the structure of vocational education and training in Turkey since 2000, in particular focusing on changes in certification requirements and attitudes to learning. Structural contradictions have occurred in vocational education within this period and the tension between the technical and social organisation of the labour market in the process of gaining skills is illustrated. From this point of view prospective policy relations among vocational education partners is discussed. The potential for restructuring vocational education in relation to the labour market within a globalisation environment is addressed by implementing in- depth interviews and using the data from the national institutions. The analysis also highlights the effects on qualifications and proficiency as required by the market and the effect on learning within this process. In particular, emphasis is given to the impact derived from the establishment of the Vocational Qualifications Authority (Mesleki Yeterlilik Kurumu) in 2006 and the implications of this on vocational education and training provision.