The IT sector in Bulgaria is one of the few in which we are competitive on a global scale. In order to develop the positive trend, Bosch is actively involved in the process of modernizing the education and creating future specialists for the industry. Bosch ECS launched the "Investment in Future Talents" program 5 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 in Bulgaria • To develop and preserve the potential of young IT talents in Bulgaria and to attract those from abroad • Through the professional expertise of the company's professionals, to share experience young IT talents and support their 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

For 5 years since its opening in 2019, Bosch ECS has made long-term investments in education, in the development of young talents and in the support in their career orientation. The company demonstrates responsibility and strives to create continuity between its established good professional practices and future potential in the industry. At the same time, the Center develops its employees professionally and personally, giving them the opportunity to act as mentors and teachers.

For 3rd year, in three consecutive editions, Bosch ECS successfully develops 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 and applied skills to work on projects for comprehensive mobility solutions. In partnership with TU-Sofia, Bosch ECS opened a new specialty "Smart Systems and AI", in which in addition to TU professors employees of the Center train the students. 70 students completed the first and the second year of the bachelor's program. In 2023, an innovative high-tech laboratory was opened on the territory of the Faculty of Industrial Technologies at TU. Bosch ECS supported the School Telerik Academy in the creation of an IT school for children in Bansko during the 2022-2023 school year and continues its support for 2023/2024. For the 3rd year, the program for dual education and acquisition of practical knowledge for students of the 11th and 12th grades continues. 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.

Over 80 young talents were trained in the 3 editions of the engineering academy, becoming the possibility of a successful career in the field of automotive software. 1st and 2nd graduating class in the new specialty of ECS and TU-Sofia includes over 150 students. The newly opened laboratory provides an opportunity to train practical skills. Young students from 5th to 7th and 12th grade are also currently being trained in the IT academy for children in Bansko. 30 trainees joined the the internship program for 2023. They are 150 for the entire period, and nearly 90% already are in the Center's team. The employees of the Center who participated in the Academy and the others educational projects of the Center, have devoted hundreds of hours to mentoring and teaching activities free of cha