The project’s goal of is to boost professional competencies among young people in Bulgaria through access to quality education and practical experience, as well as to promote early career guidance. It gives access to further quality education and practice to motivate the young and build their professional competences at an early stage, as well as to retain in school students with low motivation and likely to drop out. The project also aims to develop children's digital skills and to establish a sustainable connection between educational institutions and businesses. Plus: SE created the Be Smart. Start! paid internship program. For 2 years, it has been offering students global innovative positions. 2022 SE held an event Smart Professions for a Smart Future with 600 participants on 4 to

The project is aimed at pupils and students in technical specialties, as well as at their teachers/professors. It gives added value and satisfaction to more experienced SE employees by enabling them to pass on their knowledge and skills to new generations. Applied at TU Sofia and Plovdiv, University of Food Technology, Plovdiv, and the Technical School of Mechanical Engineering in Plovdiv for students after 8th grade and 10th–11th grades where there is a tendency to drop out.

Phase 1 starts in 2021 and will last until 2025. The Sustainable Education Project with Schneider Electric is part of the company's local Sustainability Program and part of its global values of supporting and ensuring equal access to education for students and pupils in various countries where SE is present. The purpose of the project activities during these years is tantamount to a major and sustainable investment in education and its relationship with business. Phase 2 is due in 2023.

Please describe the trainings/events organized mentioning the number of participants, printed publications - circulation and method of distribution, and other specific activities and their products * applicants in the Cause-Related Marketing category Please describe the activities in promotion of the good cause - in commercial advertising, by packaging or otherwise. Secondly, please describe the activities which support the cause - the funding provided, and please explain how the funding was used Drafting of a vocational training program by SE – 200 hours per year, held in educational institutions or the factory. Providing of equipment/laboratories – 18 workstations. Practice: SE Smart Factory • Innovation hub: digital tech class • Learning corner: opportunities for development and self-education of employees • 1 hour in manufacturing Students The project gives access to quality education and professional development at an early stage. It maintains a digital network and monthly events for business and educational organizations to reveal the practical application of what has been learned at university and to promote the transition to a career. Implemented at TU Sofia,

Investing in education has a long-term effect. The sustainable results have to do with increased interest in technology and innovation, with access to high-quality education, and with opportunities for practical application and career guidance. The dual training program includes 15 lecturers and mentors from the SE team. Digital events have over 400 participants – from businesses and educational organisations Physical visits/ tours of the factory – over 200 visitors form educational institutions in 2022. Internship program. 7 interns remain permanently employed at the company. For 2 of the positions, the young talents have returned to Bulgaria.