ECVET

In 2019, NAVET, with the experience gained from the project Technical assistance in the implementation of the National qualifications framework in VET-financed by the European Commission (EC) under the Structural reform support programme (SRSP)-applied the SES for the optimisation of VET beyond the three sectors where the SES were initially piloted: textiles, woodworking and electric vehicles. Based on the workshops that were carried out and the experience gained, the document Methodological guidelines for the development of the SES for the acquisition of professional qualifications was drafted and published on NAVET's website. This document improved the applicability of the approved standards in terms of recognising learning outcomes and developing flexible individualised training programmes for learners over the age of 16. In addition to NAVET and the education ministry, the Human Resources Development Centre (HRDC), within which a national network of ECVET experts, contributes with the national network of ECVET expers in promoting the benefits of ECVET implementation. The network organised events - seminars, workshops, round tables - with the participation of professional gymnasiums, centres of vocational training, employers, and other stakeholders. In 2019, in accordance with an annual plan, four seminars were held and various promotion materials (brochures, flyers, etc.) were published. NAVET, as a national reference point (NRP) for the implementation of ECVET also contributed to the promotion of the benefits of ECVET through a specially created and maintained rubric on ECVET's website.. In December 2019, the main stakeholders and professional organisations discussed measures for facilitating the process of ECVET implementation.

In 2020, NAVET, together with the HRDC and the education ministry, continued to develop the activities for preparation for the introduction of ECVET at national level. The main part of the activities for the introduction of ECVET was related to the development and updating of the State education standards for acquiring qualifications in professions, with the ECVET principles. In 2020, three online events were held on information, promotion, and practical guidelines on the implementation of ECVET.

In 2021, the National VET team was established (members of the team are former ECVET national experts), aiming to introduce successful models of ECVET integration and for contributing in the development of inclusive vocational education and training in Bulgaria, including better implementation of distance learning and training during pandemics.

In 2021, several events were organised as part of the annual plan for development and promotion of VET.

In September 2021, a specialised seminar was held at the Human Resources Development Centre (HRDC) in partnership with NAVET as part of a series of events to improve and promote vocational education and training in Bulgaria. The seminar agenda provided opportunities to discuss the results of successful projects related to monitoring the professional realisation of trainees, quality assurance of VET and the application of ECVET in the creation of new training programmes and State education standards for acquiring qualifications in professions.

In the open format of the event, the need for updated regulations for the award, accumulation, and transfer of credits in the national VET system and the increasingly relevant partnership between vocational and higher education as a means for providing more flexible learning pathways were discussed.

In 2022, the issue of transparency and comparability of professional qualifications and the issue of facilitating mobility- especially in the socio-economic context caused after the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the migrant crisis on the European labour market, became the key themes. Another issue that rose was the provision of training opportunities for migrants alongside migrants' qualfiications recognition. VET experts had the opportunity to participate in a series of online events, where leading experts in the field of VET offered ideas and solutions for adapting to the new conditions. Several reports, publications and informational materials of the OECD, Cedefop, the European Commission were reviewed, and their summaries were uploaded to NAVET's website and to social networks.

In 2022, as part of the annual working plan for the development and promotion of the VET system, the two national VET experts participated in events organised by the Human Resources Development Centre (HRDC). These events had as topics the tools for measuring the quality and impact of the Erasmus+ programme, challenges for VET in the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and offered the opportunity for sharing practices, solutions, and methods used by educators. A round table on digital skills and using microcredentials was also organised.

In 2023, as part of the development plan for the VET system, the team of national VET experts participated in activities and events organised by the Human Resources Development Centre (HRDC).The VET development plan is part of the action plan until 2024 accompanying the Strategic framework for the development of education, training, and learning in the Republic of Bulgaria (2021-30). The action plan sets out activities in the various priority areas of the strategic framework, deadlines for their implementation, funding sources, as well as indicators for monitoring and analysing its results. These activities implement the objectives and measures indicated in the strategic framework.

In 2024, a new national VET team was established as part of the Erasmus+ programme for the 2021-27 period,following a selection procedure,initiated by the Human Resources Development Centre (HRDC). This national VET team provides methodological support and guidance to organisations involved in VET, as well as to businesses, with the goal of promoting more effective models for ensuring quality, innovation, and sustainability in Bulgaria's VET sector.

Also in 2024, the HRDC recruited nine experts as members of the national VET team to support its activities over a three-year period. These activities include:

1. organising and participating in national training activities, competitions, information days, seminars, conferences, consultations, and other events related to the national VET team;
2. participating in training activities, seminars, and events at European level;
3. raising awareness and disseminating information among education and labour market stakeholders about the VET system in Bulgaria;
4. preparing analyses, contributing to the development of a work programme , and drafting annual activity reports;
5. writing news articles and publications related to the VET system in Bulgaria.