Bulgarian Parliament Approves Dual Education, 'Protected Jobs' List

Bulgarian Council of Ministers is to prepare a list of "non-prestigious" occupations needed by businesses.

The measure was announced after MPs approved at a first reading changes to the Law for Professional Education and Training jointly proposed by the ruling Bulgarian Socialist Party and the biggest parliamentary opposition GERB, website Dnevnik.bg has reported.

The "protected jobs" list will be aimed at changing societal attitudes toward some "unattractive occupations" such as welders, mechanics, railroad constructors, and elevator technicians.

Amendments approved by Parliament allow for "informally" acquired experience (e.g. skill gained out of the professional education system) to be acknowledged by employers.

Proposals to introduce a dual education system will also come into force under the new legislation.

Dual education enables pupils to learn a job through apprenticeship, which combines theory with professional training, this enabling young people to earn money for their work.
Employers will have their say on the timetable of training.

Education Minister Aneliya Klisarova said the new measures would diminish the share of pupils who drop out of school due to socioeconomic reasons. 

The new system could be introduced in 2015, but the range of its implementation will depend on whether the of professional high schools will be able to sign contracts with companies.