In Didim, the shoe repair profession, which was facing the threat of extinction, is being revived thanks to 14-year-old Berat Gültepe.

Mehmet Ali Şare, one of the three shoe repairmen operating in the district, has earned the title of the only master craftsman with an apprentice in the district thanks to Berat, whom he took under his wing.

Mehmet, who has been making a living as a shoe repairman on Bülent Ecevit Street in Didim for 19 years, drew attention to the apprentice crisis in the sector.

Stating that only 3 craftsmen remain in the district, which has a population of approximately 150,000, Şare is experiencing the joy of starting to employ an apprentice again after a long break.

Underlining the need to keep traditional professions alive, Şare stated that families should break down their prejudices against crafts. He noted that the new generation is not keen on learning trades and that families do not direct their children towards these fields.

He added: “Unfortunately, our profession is on the verge of disappearing. We had great difficulty finding apprentices, but Berat chose this profession and gave hope to our craft. Now the conditions are much better.

“Our government pays apprentices a monthly salary, and we also provide the necessary support. In our time, you couldn’t get a high school diploma through apprenticeship; now, our children both learn a profession and get a high school diploma, and they can even go to university if they want.”

Berat, who has been working seasonally alongside his master for the past three years during the summer months, is now proud to be the first in the district to start a permanent job.

Stating that he embarked on this path with the approval of his family, the young apprentice said: “From now on, I will be working here permanently. I will also continue my education by enrolling in the Didim Vocational Training Center.

“In the past three years, I have more or less learned the basics of the job; now, while learning new techniques from my master, I will also receive theoretical training at school. It’s great to have a valuable skill in my life. When I finish school, I will receive my high school diploma, and if I have the opportunity in the future, I would like to study at university as well.”