Bulgarians are being retrained for programmers

More than 90,000 Bulgarians went through qualification and retraining courses last year, with one in four receiving a new profession certificate, according to the National Agency for Vocational Education and Training (NAVET). The most preferred trainings are for computer graphics and graphic designers, organizers of Internet applications, assistant educators and welders. In 2020 alone, more than 2,000 Bulgarians received qualifications as welders and programmers, the analysis shows.
Unfortunately, Bulgaria ranks second to last in terms of citizen participation in lifelong learning activities, which include vocational training. The average percentage on this indicator in the EU is nearly 15%, for our country – 2%. There is also interest in training for the professions of operational accountants, security guards, hairdressers, beauticians, manicurists, auto mechanics and transport technicians. There is a decrease in interest for gardeners, construction workers, valets, sales consultants, restaurateurs and office managers, according to NAVET data.
Qualifications and vocational training are important priorities for the next programming period, and various labor market measures will be funded. The European funds that will be spent in the next seven years are worth BGN 2.167 billion. They will be directed to investments in lifelong learning, professional mobility, development of new competencies, validation of skills and others.
Bulgaria's Recovery and Sustainability Plan is currently being discussed, where employers, trade unions, universities and institutions can participate with proposals for reforms to ensure a more flexible and adequate training system to support people in their professional development. The main priority should be the development of skills needed in the labor market, as well as the formation of digital competencies that meet the European framework, but are also consistent with the available positions and professions, said Milen Ganev, partner in E-CARD, which is in top 50 of software companies in Europe.
According to him, most employers are not familiar with the system of vocational training in licensed training centers and there is no connection with the needs of business. The acquired skills must correspond to the needs of the employers, Milen Ganev explained. Nearly 70% of business representatives surveyed also said they would not commit to developing state educational standards for professions, curricula and assignments for vocational exams, but approved and supported the dual training system.