- 2018Implementation
- 2019Implementation
- 2020Implementation
- 2021Implementation
- 2022Implementation
Description
To stimulate the acquisition of competences in STEM and languages, the education ministry and/or affiliated bodies [e.g. the Bulgarian Centre for Training Firms (BCTF)] organise many competitions for learners in secondary education, including VET, and for young people. These competitions are organised at local, national and international level in subjects such as maths, information technology, foreign languages and science (physics, chemistry, biology, environmental protection).
In 2018, more than 73 national competitions in different fields were conducted.
In 2019, with financial support from the State budget, over 16 500 extracurricular activities took place in 2 249 schools in the country and 60% of learners chose activities in STEM fields such as digital creativity, mathematics, technology and natural sciences.
A total of 22 national VET competitions were organised in cooperation with representatives of the enterprises.
Due to the COVID-19 emergency, most competitions were organised online, but they could not be held in an online environment and did not take place.
18 national VET competitions took place in 2021, organised by schools in partnership with enterprises and companies under the coordination of the education ministry. Other bodies also organise competitions: the Bulgarian Centre for Training Firms (BCTF), which is an affiliated body to the Ministry of Education and Science, has organised 15 competitions on presentation skills, responsible business, web design, advertising materials and design. In April 2021, BCTF also organised an international online fair of training firms. Over 1 600 participants, 144 training firms, 44 schools, 3 universities and representatives from 8 countries participated in the event.
24 national VET competitions took place in 2022, organised by VET schools in partnership with companies and universities, and under the coordination of Ministry of Education and Science.
Detailed information on the organisation, partnerships and rules for competitions is published at the education ministry (MES) website. The identified good practices were shared through the ‘Good news’ section of the MES website.
Bodies responsible
- Ministry of Education and Science
- Bulgarian Centre for Training Firms (BCTF)
Target groups
Learners
- Learners in upper secondary, including apprentices
- Young people (15-29 years old)
Thematic categories
Modernising VET offer and delivery
This thematic category looks at what and how individuals learn, how learning content and learning outcomes in initial and continuing VET are defined, adapted and updated. First and foremost, it examines how VET standards, curricula, programmes and training courses are updated and modernised or new ones created. Updated and renewed VET content ensures that learners acquire a balanced mix of competences that address modern demands, and are more closely aligned with the realities of the labour market, including key competences, digital competences and skills for green transition and sustainability, both sector-specific and across sectors. Using learning outcomes as a basis is important to facilitate this modernisation, including modularisation of VET programmes. Updating and developing teaching and learning materials to support the above is also part of the category.
The thematic category continues to focus on strengthening high-quality and inclusive apprenticeships and work-based learning in real-life work environments and in line with the European framework for quality and effective apprenticeships. It looks at expanding apprenticeship to continuing vocational training and at developing VET programmes at EQF levels 5-8 for better permeability and lifelong learning and to support the need for higher vocational skills.
This thematic category also focuses on VET delivery through a mix of open, digital and participative learning environments, including workplaces conducive to learning, which are flexible, more adaptable to the ways individuals learn, and provide more access and outreach to various groups of learners, diversifying modes of learning and exploiting the potential of digital learning solutions and blended learning to complement face-to-face learning.
Centres of vocational excellence that connect VET to innovation and skill ecosystems and facilitate stronger cooperation with business and research also fall into this category.
This thematic sub-category refers to acquisition of key competences and basic skills for all, from an early age and throughout their life, including those acquired as part of qualifications and curricula. Key competences include knowledge, skills and attitudes needed by all for personal fulfilment and development, employability and lifelong learning, social inclusion, active citizenship and sustainable awareness. Key competences include literacy; multilingual; science, technology, engineering and mathematical (STEM); digital; personal, social and learning to learn; active citizenship, entrepreneurship, cultural awareness and expression (Council of the European Union, 2018).
European priorities in VET
VET Recommendation
- VET agile in adapting to labour market challenges