On March 30, 2023, during the educational discussion that kicked off ExpoMebel, Bulgaria’s premier furniture, decor, and interior design exhibition, it became evident that the country’s dual education system is in need of urgent reform. The discussion, titled “Challenges in Vocational Education: Problems and Opportunities,” highlighted the struggles vocational high schools face in organizing internships and the lack of state support for businesses providing practical training for students.
Mrs. Petya Evtimova, founder of the Foundation for Modern Education, emphasized the critical need for immediate measures to reform dual education in Bulgaria. Drawing on successful examples from six European countries, she pointed out how states like Austria and Slovakia have implemented effective incentives for companies participating in dual education, such as direct subsidies, tax relief, and free training for student mentors. Mrs. Evtimova also underscored the lack of awareness in Bulgaria regarding the dual education system, including misconceptions about employer responsibilities for students’ health insurance, which is actually covered by the state.
According to Mrs. Evtimova, while national and European projects offer some support to small and medium-sized enterprises, concrete actions are still lacking. She called for more targeted efforts to modernize educational programs, update teaching materials, and ensure that vocational teachers receive additional training on the latest industry technologies.
The discussion concluded with a consensus that dual education in Bulgaria can only be effective if vocational school teachers are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and if there is a balanced ratio between language and vocational schools in the country. The insights shared by Mrs. Evtimova and other participants underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure that dual education meets the needs of both students and the labor market.
