Skills in the field of programming and digital creativity are extremely necessary for the development of Bulgaria. The world has entered a period of dynamic digital transformations. Soon there will be almost no profession that does not require knowledge in the field of information technology, commented in an analysis Milen Ganev, a partner in the Bulgarian company E-Card. Therefore, the company supports the idea of the Ministry of Education and Science to subsidize the profession "Applied Programmer" under the National Program "IT Career Training".
Three years ago, a total of 930 students took the entrance test for participation in the National Program. At the beginning of the second year, just over 300 of them continue their education. After three years of training, 218 students successfully complete the highest, third degree of professional qualification for applied programmer. This justified the expectations of the business that 20-30 percent of the participants will reach the final. On the other hand, this confirms the seriousness of the trainings conducted over the three-year period. 60 students from the successful graduates this year have already been admitted to universities in IT specialties. We are ready to carry out practical training of students and then send them invitations for their employment, said Milen Ganev. According to him, the sector will continue to have a big need for IT specialists.
Applying for the National Program "IT Career Training" for the academic year 2020/2021 can be done by filling out an online registration form at https: /Marieiamon.bg^^ The application period is from July 15 to October 10, 2020. The entrance exam is in the form of a test, which aims to verify the general competence of the applicant.
The national program provides training in programming for students from X, XI, XII grade from secondary schools, specialized high schools and vocational high schools who are not trained in the profession "Applied programmer". The training is organized in the free time of students during the week, on Saturdays and their vacations. The learning process is conducted in a face-to-face and online form according to a state educational standard developed by the business. Curriculum, programs and content are developed in partnership by representatives of the IT industry, universities and vocational schools. Specialists from the IT sector also take part in the teaching.
The trainings are organized in five centers - in the Technological School of Electronic Systems and TU - Sofia, for the capital; in the Vocational High School of Computer Technologies and Systems - Pravets, in TU - Sofia, for the region of Western Bulgaria; PG in Electrical Engineering and Electronics “Apostle Arnaudov” - Ruse, and the University of Ruse for Northeastern Bulgaria; MG "Acad. Kiril Popov "-Plovdiv, and the Plovdiv University for the region of Central Bulgaria; and the High School of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, "K. Fotinov "- Burgas, and the University of Prof. Dr. “Asen Zlatarov” for Southeastern Bulgaria.
"The need for accelerated digitalization of education, improving digital skills, adapting learning content and real access to digital education. These are the challenges facing the Bulgarian school”, Milen Ganev stressed. According to him, the Covid-19 crisis has shown us that we still have a lot of work to do in terms of connectivity and infrastructure. Technology plays an important role in the learning process and will help focus teaching on the needs of students. “They should not replace the fundamental role of teachers, but support them”, explained Milen Ganev from E-Card.