Burgas Municipality is taking decisive measures to establish a branch of the prestigious University of Mining and Geology "St. Ivan Rilski" from Sofia, which is a key step towards education and economic development of the city. The initiative, supported by Mayor Dimitar Nikolov, is to be discussed by the Municipal Council at an upcoming meeting.
It is planned that the new branch will offer a bachelor's degree in the vital professional field of "Exploration, extraction and processing of minerals". Students will have the opportunity to specialize in the current specializations "Gas, fuel and purification technology and technologies" and "Drilling, extraction and transportation of oil and gas".
"The establishment of a branch of the University of Mining and Geology in Burgas is a strategic investment in the future of the city - in young people, in industry and in the sustainable development of the region", emphasized Mayor Dimitar Nikolov, underlining the importance of this project.
The initiative is in full compliance with the Strategy for the development of higher education for the period between 2021 and 2030, the National Map of Higher Education, as well as with the Demographic Strategy of Burgas Municipality, which guarantees its strategic importance and long-term vision.
According to the presented motives, the establishment of the branch is expected to have a significant impact on the economic and social development of the Southeastern region. This step will lead to closer integration between education, science and business, thus supporting the training of highly qualified engineering staff, of key importance for the future development of the region. In addition, it is planned to stimulate investment and innovation activity.
The University of Mining and Geology already has the necessary teaching capacity and is actively negotiating with "Shell Bulgaria" for the construction of a modern Simulation Center for deep drilling, which will be located in the branch in Burgas. This center will play a key role in the training of specialists who will be able to solve a wide range of tasks, including drilling for water and the extraction of oil and gas.
There is a clear demand for such specialists on the labor market in the region, but at the moment their supply is insufficient. This hinders the effective functioning and development of large, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the regional administration. The opening of the branch is a step towards overcoming this problem, as it creates favorable conditions for the development of business, the creation and implementation of innovations, the opening of new jobs and the attraction of investors. The presence of qualified personnel is of key importance for the realization of these goals.
For the needs of training and administrative activities, the Municipality plans to provide the necessary material and technical base in the student campus. This base will include lecture halls, offices for teachers and administration, providing the necessary conditions for conducting quality training.
It is important to note that the specialties that are planned to be opened are new and do not duplicate those existing in other higher education institutions in the region, which guarantees their uniqueness and significance.