Every Fourth Bulgarian With University Degree Works Abroad

Every fourth Bulgarian who has a university degree, works abroad, shows a survey of the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA). 

“Bulgaria behaves like a rich country, which exports highly qualified employees abroad,” said Tomcho Tomov of BIA. “At the same time a large number of young adults don't work and receive support from their parents who work abroad.”

According to Tomov, around 40% of the unemployed young adults are “hereditary unemployed”, which means that their parents don't have jobs either. 

The BIA survey found that 70% of the university graduates start work in the commercial, processing or service sectors. The most sought position in the service sector is “security guard”. 

According to BIA, a systematic study of what kind of workers the business needs, is required, as well as how often the employees need qualification courses. 

“We have found that the “life cycle” of IT competences is around four years, for engineering – seven years and for finance – nine years,” Tomov said. 

“People have no jobs, but at the same time there are no people for the jobs,” he added. “Only 30% of the university graduates work at a position, requiring their degree. There is a paradox – the education system does not prepare employees, but unemployed.”