In today’s dynamic world, the promotion of educational initiatives for the benefit of future professionals is more important than ever. As one of the largest employers in Bulgaria, with thousands of employees, Kaufland Bulgaria has put in place practices, approaches and tools that enable the transfer of valuable knowledge. Through its own and partner initiatives, development academies, mentoring programmes and more, the company aims to give thousands of young people the opportunity to gain skills that will make them competitive in the job market. As part of its long-term commitment to bridging the gap between education and business, the retailer is developing many in-house youth programmes, while partnering with educational institutions and organisations engaged in benefitting society.

With a focus on the country’s young talent, Kaufland’s education projects target both internal and external audiences. The company reaches out to them through extensive communication using appropriate channels and by including them in the latest career development platforms and programmes. Thanks to its strong links to nearly 100 Bulgarian schools and universities, its activities reach more than 2 000 students each year.

Kaufland has sustainable practices for the development of younger generations that fit perfectly into the company’s overall strategy, based on the motto ‘Actions make a difference’. Youth programmes have been implemented for more than 5 years. With each successive programme, the retailer expands the scope of available training, and the interest and number of participants grows. Tailored to the experience, interests and aspirations of the participants, each initiative has a specific structure.

Kaufland Bulgaria designs its own career development projects for young people and participates in various events, projects and training programmes to mentor and develop their potential. At the Kaufland Business Academy, the company offers many training modules, including lectures, practical exercises, additional training, workshops, tasks for developing business cases and internships of several weeks. A total of 30 students have participated in these to date. Candidates are selected through an application process published on the company’s official website. Communication about the upcoming Academy was published online and in the media. So far, 6 semesters with a total of 9 hackathons, 6 master classes and 3 youth camps have taken place within the Panda Labs programme supported by Kaufland. Kaufland and WWF used their own online channels to promote the programme and the recruitment of applicants. Information was also disseminated through press releases, media publications, events, the WWF partner network, Kaufland customers, the corporate website and the newsletter. The activities will continue in February 2024 with another semester and more learning activities.

Through its own and partner programmes for young talent, Kaufland Bulgaria creates a favourable environment for developing knowledge and skills and professional and personal growth. In 2023 alone, nearly 60 young people took part in programmes like the apprenticeship and the dual training programme. 30 students completed the first edition of the Kaufland Business Academy and 10 are now working for the company. Since the launch of the Managers of the Future project, 12 participants have successfully completed it and have been appointed at different units. More than 400 people have completed the various semesters of Panda Labs and are still part of its network. More than 500 young people participated in the hackathons and 90 have gone on to participate in masterclasses in the programme.