The Bulgarian organisation Bimec participates in the Erasmus+ project ‘STEAM Coach’, which addresses the underrepresentation of women in STEM education. The project introduces a structured coaching approach to support girls and women in accessing and progressing within STEM-related vocational education and training (VET). It also provides a continuous professional development (CPD) programme for educators, trainers and institutional leaders through a blended learning model. Partner organisations include Brainport (Netherlands), Mindshift (Portugal), IB (Germany) and Amuebla (Spain). Since early 2026, the coaching methodology and CPD programme have been available free of charge.
A structured coaching model for VET
The project developed and tested a five-phase coaching framework combining career guidance, mentoring and personal development. Bimec led the development of the coaching methodology and resource kit and coordinated collaboration with external experts to ensure relevance to target groups. In Bulgaria, the model was piloted through mentoring activities connecting young women with professionals from the telecommunications sector.
The coaching process includes five stages:
- self-awareness: supporting confidence-building and challenging internalised stereotypes related to STEM participation
- talents and strengths: helping participants identify and apply their skills and capabilities in STEM-related contexts
- exploration of STEM pathways: encouraging participants to explore education and career opportunities while addressing stereotypes
- activation: supporting goal-setting, decision-making and practical action-planning
- movement forward: helping participants apply their plans, overcome challenges and sustain long-term development
The approach addresses both individual barriers, such as low self-confidence, and systemic challenges, including gender stereotypes in technical education and careers.
Strengthening VET capacity for inclusion
To support sustainable implementation, the project provides a CPD programme for VET teachers, trainers and institutional leaders. The programme combines face-to-face workshops with self-directed online learning and offers practical tools and strategies to support women and girls in STEM-related VET.
The CPD framework is based on a competence matrix defining learning outcomes and assessment criteria, mapped to EQF levels and aligned with EQAVET quality assurance principles. It focuses on three areas: gender awareness, inclusive leadership, and STEM outreach and promotion.
Supporting system-level change
The project also promotes cooperation between VET providers and stakeholders in skills development. Through collaboration among European partners and external experts, institutions exchange practices and develop approaches to better support women in STEM-related VET pathways.
By integrating coaching approaches into VET provision and staff development, the project makes STEM pathways more accessible and attractive to women. It supports European priorities on gender equality, skills development and labour market needs in technical sectors.
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| Please cite this news item as: ReferNet Bulgaria, & Cedefop (2026, May 19th). Bulgaria: Erasmus+ project supports the participation of women in STEM-related VET. National news on VET |