07.04.2023
BIA’s Vice President Maria Mincheva participated today in a round table organized by the Bulgarian MEP Petar Vitanov, dedicated to young people and their realization on the labor market.
Here is what Maria Mincheva shared in relation to the topics of the conference:
- The demographic crisis is far from a Bulgarian phenomenon. The situation is similar throughout Europe. Bulgaria is competing for labor, but we are in a different starting position. We need to think about what skills we need for the green and digital transition? How to increase motivation for STEM skills, incl. for women? How to increase the attractiveness of vocational high schools? What does the education system offer us as an answer to these questions?
- Unemployment is decreasing due to the lack of labor. This is also the reason for the increase in remuneration. But the quality of the workforce is not improving, resulting in low growth in labor productivity.
- The new generation is different, with different expectations for the workplace and working hours, with expectations for more flexibility, remote work, etc.
- Development of entrepreneurial skills is also necessary. Bulgaria is first in the European Union in terms of the percentage of young people who say they have started their own business or are taking steps to do so. Most often they are driven by their desire to follow their passion or interest, and the main barrier is access to sufficient funds, as well as lack of knowledge/education/skills to start and manage a business.
- Education has always been one of the main values for a Bulgarian. It starts in the family. The environment is also a major factor. PISA results are DRAMATIC. The results of the education system are robbing children.
- For fewer and fewer students, entering university is linked to a need for knowledge or obtaining a degree.
- Skills age much faster than before. Life today is much more dynamic. Educational programs and standards must follow this dynamic. Much more flexibility is needed to adapt them, and business needs to be genuinely, not formally, involved in this process.
- Lifelong learning is not a cliché. And yes, the future belongs to the young.
