A serious shortage of highly qualified professionals in the utility sector was identified by experts at "Water and Sewerage - Varna" Ltd. The lack of specialized personnel covers a wide range of technical specialties, including welders, engineers, geodesists, and hydrologists.
The company's management emphasizes that while an acute deficit does not currently exist, the challenge to human resources is tangible. The problem affects not only the workforce but also engineering and technical positions such as designers, electrical and mechanical specialists.
As a strategic response to the personnel challenge, "Water and Sewerage - Varna" Ltd. introduced innovative programs to attract young talents. Two years ago, the company launched unique internship and scholarship initiatives aimed at simultaneously developing young professionals and ensuring organizational continuity.
The results of this policy are impressive - this year, 58 students underwent summer practice in various structural units of the company. The water operator partners with three vocational high schools, with some interns continuing their training for a second consecutive year.
Manager Eng. Veselin Rusev emphasizes the targeted efforts to motivate and attract young specialists to the sector. From this academic year, the company is expanding its scholarship program, covering students from 11th and 12th grades.
Parallel to corporate initiatives, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP) presented a national program "I Choose Bulgaria". The measure is aimed at two main target groups - Bulgarian citizens who have returned from abroad and young professionals wanting to work in small settlements.
Deputy Minister Natalia Efremova explained that the program is implemented in two components. The first aims to attract Bulgarians who have lived abroad in the last 18 months or completed education abroad. The second component stimulates internal labor mobility.
These coordinated actions by business and the state demonstrate a comprehensive approach to overcoming professional deficits and retaining young talents in the country.