On 3 November 2023, the National Agency for Vocational Education and Training (NAVET) organised a conference under its capacity of Bulgarian ReferNet network partner. Organised as part of a series of events dedicated to the European Year of Skills initiative, the conference enjoyed great visibility among the national VET community. It highlighted various themes, ranging from the presentation of Cedefop’s European Year of Skills initiatives to skill development issues, dual training qualification, the adaptation of the labour market to the new realities brought about by the twin transition, and the presentation of projects aiming to raise VET attractiveness.
Participants
More than 60 VET experts representing the various national authorities and ministries participated in the conference. They represented NAVET, the education ministry, the labour ministry, the culture ministry and the Employment Agency. Social partner organisations and VET providers from all VET sectors (i.e. VET schools and licensed vocational centres for adults) also took part.
Programme
The conference programme included topics related to skill development, with several highlights:
- The European Year of Skills (EYS) initiative: A detailed background, the main priorities and funding tools, opportunities for citizens and information on events held under the European Year of skills were presented to participants;
- the ReferNet network and highlights of Cedefop activities in 2023: Cedefop’s work on various themes ranging from skill needs forecasting to the VET knowledge centre and the latest tools and projects of the agency were presented to the participants. Particular attention was given to ‘comparing’ policy developments between countries using Cedefop’s Timeline of VET policies in Europe tool, and to recent publications;
- dual training for adults over 16 years old in licensed vocational training centres: Dual training qualification opportunities for those seeking a new career were presented. Emphasis was on the advantages of work-based learning for individuals (especially for adult learners), employers and the society;
- adapting to change: digital skills and the evolution of the labour market. Discussions were held on changes in study programmes as a prerequisite for adapting to digitalisation. The emergence of new professions that require specific levels of skills needed for the twin transition (with particular emphasis on digital skills) was also discussed. Last, the idea of a ‘Digital backpack for adaptation’ was presented with emphasis on soft and digital skills and on the need to cultivate a growth mindset;
- training resources for Europass skills of the future: The AGORA VETPro 4. project was presented. The project is about the skills of the future and the challenges that career counsellors currently face. The importance of making VET an attractive career and education pathway was presented. The fact that all participants shared a common understanding on the importance of skills for long-term sustainability, growth and competitiveness was an impressive conference conclusion.
Read more
- NAVET web page – ReferNet Bulgaria conference on the European Year of Skills
- ReferNet Bulgaria website – Conference on the European Year of Skills
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Please cite this news item as: ReferNet Bulgaria; Cedefop (2023). Bulgaria: ReferNet conference on the European Year of Skills. National news on VET |