The IT sector in Bulgaria is one of the few in which we are competitive on a global scale. In order to develop this positive trend, Bosch is actively involved in the process of modernizing the education and creating future specialists for the industry. Bosch Engineering Center Sofia (ECS) launched the "Investment in Future Talents" program 4 years ago. Goals: • To create an educational environment with more opportunities to acquire new knowledge and skills in IT and automotive technologies through collaboration with leading organizations • To develop and preserve the potential of young IT talents in Bulgaria and to attract those from abroad • Through the professional expertise of company's professionals, to share experience and support youths' professional orientation

Young IT talents from high schools and universities Professionals with engineering and IT specialties, with a suitable profile and qualification from Bulgaria and abroad Current employees of Bosch Engineering Center Sofia Educational institutions and partner organizations

Since its opening in 2019, Bosch ECS has made long-term investments in education, in the development of young talents. The company dstrives to create continuity between its established good professional practices and future potential in the industry by offering education, support for the development of knowledge and skills. At the same time, the ECS develops its employees professionally and personally, giving them the opportunity to act as mentors and teachers.

Bosch ECS launched its own academy for software engineers - Bosch ECS Career Camp. Under the mentorship of proven professionals from ECS, young software specialists acquire for free knowledge to work on projects for comprehensive mobility solutions. The academy is currently training the second graduating class. In partnership with TU-Sofia ECS opened a new specialty "Smart Systems and AI", in which employees of ECS train the students. The opening of the high-tech laboratory in TU is also coming up. Bosch ECS supported School Telerik Academy in the creation of an IT school for children in Bansko during the 2022-2023 school year. ECS ensures the running of the school where the students are educated. For the 3rd year in a row, the program for dual education and the acquisition of practical knowledge for students of the 11th and 12th grades continues at SPGE "John Atanassov". An active internship program is maintained in which the students join the Center's teams for a period of 6 or 9 months and after that in most cases they receive a job there.

1st Bosch ECS Career Academy trained nearly 30 future software engineers. Мore than 80% of participants became part of ECS. Second edition of academy is underway, as more than 35 young talents are being trained. The first graduating class in the new specialty of ECS and TU-Sofia already includes over 60 students (30 studying in Bulgarian and 30 in English). The program is long-term. Young students are currently being trained in the IT academy for children in Bansko. 11 pupils have participated in the dual education programs so far. Participants in the student’s internship program is 44 only for 2022 (110 in total), more than 90% work in ECS. ECS employees who participated in the Academy and others projects, have devoted hundreds of hours to mentoring and teaching activities for free