The labour market is experiencing a shortage of qualified specialists with electrician profession and a lack of interest among young people in studying it. This trend is particularly acute in the small municipalities in South-East Bulgaria, where EVN operates. The main objectives of our program for dual education are: reviving the interest of young people in the profession of Electrician - one of the most highly sought by the business; practical training of qualified young specialists ready to start work immediately after high school graduation; reducing youth unemployment; supporting vocational schools with practical training and a modern teaching curriculum; creating and maintaining a new channel for attracting young and educated talents to the company.

The program is addressed to the students in vocational high schools from 8 to 12 grade. The company involves colleagues who take on the role of mentors and teach the high EVN standards to the young people being educated under the dual program. To this end, we cooperate with the vocational high schools on our licensed territory so that they can open a class for dual education. Information about the program is communicated regularly and openly through the media, among schools and in the company.

The project is a natural part of our long-term and sustainable development and positioning policy as a responsible employer and a socially responsible business. EVN Bulgaria is also a co-founder Member of the Bulgarian network of the UN Global Compact. We launched the program in 2016 with 1 school. With each passing school year, we were increasing the popularity of topic and extending the scope. It is currently the largest program in the country, as we cooperate with 11 high schools in 11 towns.

In the dual form of education, students from grade 8 to 10 are given theoretical knowledge at school. In grade 11, 3 days at school are combined with 2 days of practice in a real working environment. In grade 12: 2 days at school and 3 days at work. At EVN, students rely on a personal mentor, receive high-class protective work clothes and a set of tools, as well as remuneration. And most important – invaluable practical knowledge and skills from eminent colleagues with a lot of experience. We keep students’ interest awake during the entire five years of education: we welcome them at the beginning and end of the school year; we provide a unique interactive on-line education platform; we equip classrooms; we build educational walls; our experts lead classes; we give a scholarship to outstanding students; we participate in parent-teacher meetings, organize open days, visits and practical exercise lessons. Of particular interest are the educational walls, which EVN prepares for high schools on the topic “On the way of electricity”. By the end of 2022, we have a total of 5 EVN classrooms – In schools in Plovdiv, Burgas, Yambol, Kardzhali and now in Stara Zagora.

The positive results of our consistent investment in dual education benefit everyone: children gain practical knowledge and skills, career orientation and increased career opportunities; schools come alive; our company welcomes new employees with excellent qualifications, understanding and attitude towards the profession and a horizon for development. We encourage local societies, build perspectives in the places of birth, reduce unemployment, train professionals in an important profession that is in severe deficit on the labour market; we support the national economy. A total of 360 “EVN students” from 8th to 12th grade have undergone dual education, with 50% of the graduates permanently employed in the company. In 2023, the first large class of 63 students will graduate.