1. EMPLOYERS
focus-news.net - Tailors, machine operators and caregivers are among the most sought-after personnel in our country
Published: 23.04.2024/10/05 XNUMX:XNUMX
Surveys by the Employment Agency show that machine operators and tailors are in demand. Of the 20 most sought-after specialists, 15 have almost no admission to vocational education – welders, locksmiths, for example. This was said by Zornitsa Slavova, author of a report on the subject from the Institute for Market Economy, in. "Nurse will also be an extremely sought-after position, but vocational education currently has no admissions for it," the expert added.Employers they need such personnel, but vocational education now produces chefs, programmers and electricians. Indeed, artificial intelligence is a challenge for this type of profession, but specialists in it are needed on the Bulgarian labor market at the moment", reported Slavova. "There is a need for a broader and more technical education. There are over 250 specialties with over 600 professions in vocational education, and this sector needs to be consolidated because it gives too narrow a specialization and this makes implementation difficult. In order to train students, you need to provide practical training through an employer," added Slavova. "In vocational education, there is a need for equipment and a base, it is difficult for high schools to reorient themselves quickly, because they have already purchased machines and the system is slow to respond to the needs of the employers. It is surprising that no one monitors how and whether the staff are being recruited and, based on this, assess whether to continue offering a given specialty in education or not," said the expert. "There is a lot of talk about the development of sectors with high added value, there is growth of admission in the IT sphere, and outside of Sofia and Varna the industry is actually the driving economic force", explained Zornitsa Slavova. In a large part of the country, it is the industry that provides employment and income. "In Kyustendil and Smolyan, there is an increased intake of IT majors in vocational schools, although there is no such demand on the labor market in these areas. The cadres who graduated from these classes will either move from these regions to find work, or they will engage in a completely different activity if they decide to stay in the regions", said Slavova. This is how the tendency to work other than what we were trained for, the expert explained.
frognews.bg - How does artificial intelligence help us in our job search?
Published: 23.04.2024/11/55 XNUMX:XNUMX
Around the medieval fears of how artificial intelligence will eat our jobs, and the new economic revolution it brings will ruin the common man, the Bulgarian startup platform YOX demonstrates how AI can help in the job search process. The startup uses AI to make the process faster, more accurate and more efficient.
The way people look for and offer jobs is changing. The service collects, organizes and standardizes all labor market information and applies an exchange model to meet job seekers and job offerers most efficiently.
"YOX's mission is to help all online job seekers worldwide to find the most suitable job for them in the shortest possible time," the young company explains. "We believe that the demand and supply of work is a form of market - the labor market, and as such the employers, and candidates need to come to light, and to fulfill its mission, YOX creates the perfect tool for these two parties to meet as quickly and precisely as possible", they stated, quoted by Digitalk.
YOX essentially works as an exchange where both job seekers and job offerers connect directly.
The platform creates a network of AI bots that collect, organize and standardize all information about published public job advertisements in one place and make it universally accessible to all participants.
"If there is a job ad somewhere on the Internet, YOX knows about it," emphasize the developers. "In this way, from his first day of work at YOX, there were over 40 current job advertisements. This attracted more than 50 users in the first month of the platform's launch, which grew to 400 monthly active users in 2024.
The platform works as follows – the employers get access to all people who are looking for work for a specific position and meet the criteria. On the other hand, job seekers get offers from everyone employers, until their basic need - to find a job - is met.
Hundreds of small servers - crawlers, search for information about open job positions in publicly accessible web pages. YOX uses these bots, they go from page to page and store publicly accessible information by being able to recognize which pages are ads.
The text of each ad is automatically analyzed down to the smallest detail - requirements, location, education, experience, industry, profession. Information from the ad is turned into data that the YOX algorithm uses to “understand” what they are actually looking for the employer. On a similar principle - on the other side of the market equation are candidates who can "apply" for a job even without a CV. Information about their skills, experience and education is also digitized.
According to the developers, thanks to all this, YOX manages to match both parties very precisely and find the best candidates and, accordingly, the most suitable employers for a given position in the shortest time.
Currently on the 1200 platform the employer with verified profiles offer work. On average, about 400 visits per month, about 15 applicants per month. According to data on visits and active monthly users of the online platforms for work in Bulgaria, YOX is the second platform by the number of visits for the last 6 months.
FrogNews
https://frognews.bg/novini/kak-izkustveniiat-intelekt-pomaga-tarseneto-rabota.html
economic.bg - Stagnation and structural problems - what does the labor market look like in Bulgaria
Published: 23.04.2024/11/10 XNUMX:XNUMX
The labor market in Bulgaria is at a certain standstill, even defined as "stagnation" by specialists. This conclusion is based on the statistics which show that in the last 3 years unemployment has been stable in the range of 4 – 5.5%, and currently it is rather at the upper end of this number.
The demand for labor also does not suffer any changes. Annual surveys of the need for more staff carried out by the Employment Agency show that in recent years the percentage of the employers, who do not plan to hire new employees, remains around 80%.
Most often, the factors that change and influence the labor market are shocks in individual sectors and seasonality, JobTiger - a platform for job search and offer - emphasizes.
Until now, we almost regularly observe several months of growth, then leveling off through a decline and back up again," shares Hristiyan Petkov, operational manager of the platform.
As usual, the second quarter of the year sees an increased demand for personnel in the Hospitality and Restaurant and Trade and Sales sectors. After which, during the summer season, there is a drop in both demand and supply. With the start of the school year, there is again an increased supply and a drop again after the winter holidays, according to observations by JobTiger.
Structural problems
And although things seem seemingly calm, structural problems in the labor market worry specialists.
Structural unemployment is deepening, and it is very difficult and slow to overcome. This is a comprehensive policy that starts from education and already in the 8th grade," says Zornitsa Slavova, senior economist at the Institute for Market Economics (IMI).
This conclusion is supported by the data from the Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria (AIKB), which show that 40% of graduates are employed in jobs that require secondary or even lower education.
As well as the study of the Employment Agency, which reveals an acute need for personnel with professional education. The labor market needs 14 machine operators, 775 tailors, 8 cooks, 653 construction workers. In just one year, the demand for specialists with professional education has grown by 8%.
Professional education
The reason for the lack of personnel in the "Industry" sector, according to Slavova, is the loss of the attractiveness of professional education.
In the last decade, vocational education, which provides just such personnel, has lost a lot of its image," she says.
64% of the employers experience difficulties in finding specialists in the professional fields, the AZ data show. 16% of them believe that this is precisely due to the lack of applicants for the relevant job position.
37% attribute this to a lack of qualifications. One of the reasons for the lack of qualified personnel, according to Slavova, is the problem with the introduction of dual education.
"Dual education is the way to develop practical skills in students so that they are prepared for the labor market," she shares.
It would help the youth to touch a real working environment and learn modern technology. The material base is associated with large investments that cannot be separated and secured in public schools.
According to Slavova, another option for attracting more students to professional fields is the expansion of training. Currently, there are over 600 directions, and if you study to become a turner, you can only develop as such.
If there is scope for wider training, it would enable flexibility and greater competitiveness in the labor market," she believes.
And despite the great needs of the "Industry" sector, most people are looking for their development in call centers, customer service, in the IT sector, trade and marketing, according to data from nPloy - an online platform for searching and offering work.
The labor market by region
The territorial picture of job demand and supply also points to structural problems in the labor market. There, large regional and industrial centers clearly stand out, while in smaller settlements and underdeveloped areas there is a high rate of unemployment and reduced demand for labor.
30% of the wanted workers are in the regions of Burgas, Varna and Sofia-city. At the other extreme - Vidin, Montana and Yambol - are the districts with the most modest needs for workers. As the difference between the first and the second is at least 3 times, according to the data from the AZ survey.
According to Zornitsa Slavova, it is important to pay attention to small settlements. The FII proposes fiscal decentralization for municipalities to help them attract investors.
What would fiscal decentralization mean? In its possible introduction, each of the municipalities would receive 1/5 of the income tax back to the municipality itself, which would provide it with an additional resource.
At the moment, according to Slavova, municipalities are at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting investors, as they must provide a road to the plant, as well as connect it to the electricity and water supply networks.
What should we expect?
We cannot look at the labor market as something separate, as it is affected by many factors from the international scene, such as COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and the Middle East, global economic instability, technological development, etc.
Maria Petrova, Head of Business Development and Sales at nPloy, remains optimistic about the future.
Despite the challenges we face, there are expected to be job opportunities in more and more sectors,” she shared.
According to her, the most important thing for job seekers is to adapt to changes in the labor market.
It is important for people to be flexible and to adapt to changes in the working environment, in order to always remain relevant and to be successful in the labor market," adds Petrova.
Zornitsa Slavova from IPI does not expect an increase in unemployment in the next one year. Her concerns are focused on structural unemployment. However, he believes that vocational high schools are making key steps towards change.
2. Business
industryinfo.bg – Conference of Confindustria Bulgaria presented good practices in the field of sustainable business models
Published: 23.04.2024/15/05 XNUMX:XNUMX
On April 18, an international conference on "ESG and the Global Goals: practical guidelines for companies" was held in Sofia, organized by Confindustria Bulgaria. The aim of the initiative is to promote a global and sustainable economy according to ESG criteria by providing companies with practical guidance and best practices for proper implementation and reporting of progress.
The event presented expert analysis and best practices for addressing business challenges related to environmental, social and governance commitments. From the reporting and verification of ESG policies and investments, through the construction and measurement of ESG strategies, to the implementation of market certification standards for reporting and the creation of non-financial statements, the conference offered insight into the innovative practices needed to build a sustainable business model. Specialists from various industries presented their points of view regarding the construction and measurement of ESG strategies, new financial and investment instruments.
Roberto Santorelli, Chairman of Confindustria Bulgaria, opened the event by emphasizing the importance of innovation and cooperation in achieving a sustainable and successful business. "We believe that sustainability should not only be an ethical priority, but above all an opportunity for companies to develop and innovate for the sake of a better future for themselves as investors, as well as for their employees and customers."
The conference was structured in two main parts. The first panel focused on institutional requirements and legislative initiatives with the participation of representatives from international organizations such as the UN Global Compact, the Ministry of Finance and the Bulgarian Investment Agency (BAI). The second panel offered practical guidelines and tools for companies aiming to implement ESG policies in their operations.
The participants from Italy and Bulgaria, representatives of leading companies and organizations in the field of sustainability and innovation, shared their experience and best practices for building sustainable business models.
: Confindustria Bulgaria
Keywords: Confindustria Confindustria ESG sustainability
Area: Events
starozagorskinovini.com – Stara Zagora may be part of Ukraine's renewal projects
Published: 23.04.2024/14/55 XNUMX:XNUMX
Through the leadership team of the Municipality, Deputy Ambassador Anna Terticna invited local companies to business forum I hope Stara Zagora will show interest in participating in the great Ukrainian-Bulgarian business forum, which takes place on April 25 in Sofia both in person and online. The invitation was extended to the Municipality of Stara Zagora by the deputy ambassador of Ukraine to our country, Anna Tertychna. On April 22, she spoke with the deputy mayor in charge of "Municipal property, health care and social activities" Pavlina Delcheva, as well as with the director of the "European Programs and Protocol" Directorate, Georgi Simeonov. "Speaking of the Ukrainian-Bulgarian bilateral cooperation, I want to note that last year was extremely successful, we had more than dozens of contacts at the highest level. As a continuation of these visits and arrangements, the great Ukrainian-Bulgarian meeting is taking place in Sofia on April 25 business forum. I assume that the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry will also invite the regional one in Stara Zagora, there will be a large presence from the Ukrainian business, more than 30 delegates, as well as the possibility of online involvement in the work of this forum", explained the deputy ambassador. According to her, the forum is really of great interest to both countries, since in the last 4 years, cargo exchange has tripled and there is room for further growth. "This year, a forum of cities and regions in Ukraine will also be held, and we also hope that Stara Zagora will show interest in participating in this forum as well, given the opportunities that are opening up with projects for the renewal of Ukraine, said the deputy. - Ambassador Terticna. She recalled the enormous support to Ukraine from both the European Union and the United States. "Many projects have already started, it is planned to resume the work of a huge number of enterprises of strategic national importance, especially in the field of energy," announced the deputy ambassador. She emphasized this industry, as her hosts from Stara Zagora explained how important it is for both the city and the region. On business the forum on April 25 in Sofia will discuss projects in various fields - agriculture, processing industry and related to infrastructure. The Deputy Ambassador of Ukraine, Anna Tertychna, visited Stara Zagora in connection with the opening of the exhibition "Solidary with Ukraine! The horror of the war against Ukraine in photos and children's drawings". The exhibition is located in the Military Club - Stara Zagora, and can be viewed until April 26. During her meeting in the Municipality, it became known that more than 1600 Ukrainians live in Stara Zagora and the region. "Usually, in such places, we find Ukrainian bookshelves in libraries, with which we help our compatriots and their children," said Tertychna. She offered further assistance in cultural terms with the organization of exhibitions, screenings of documentaries and feature films. (CH)
dunavmost.com – 10 euro funding for women in the agricultural sector
Published: 23.04.2024/13/40 XNUMX:XNUMX
Ladies have a chance to win €10 to develop their own business with agro-foods
Ten motivated women with an interest in the agri-food sector will have the chance to fund their own business idea by joining this year's edition of the "Empowering Women in Agrifood 2024 - EWA" program), reported the Regional Information Center - Varna, BTA reported.
It is implemented by the European Institute for Innovation and Technology in Food - EIT Food, and the Regional Agency for Entrepreneurship and Innovation - Varna /RAPIV/ is a cooperating organization.
The goal of the EWA program is to motivate representatives of women-led startups in the early stages of development and ladies with business idea in the field of agricultural products to strengthen their potential, gain the necessary knowledge, trust and access to networks to successfully start a sustainable business and develop it.
Women over the age of 18 who live in Bulgaria, have business an idea or a company in the field of agro-food production and/or related activities on the territory of the country. In the presence of a company, it must be up to 3 years old and have received no more than 60 euros of private or public support to date.
For six months, the ten ladies participating in the program will have the opportunity for mentorship, training on specialized topics, inclusion in the EWA Agrifood community, and participation in a pitching event. Each of them will have the chance to impress the jury and win a prize to fund their own business an idea. It is 10 euros for first place, and 000 euros for second place. All approved participants will receive financial support in the amount of 5000 euros to cover costs of inclusion in the events.
Participation in the program is in Bulgarian and is free for approved ladies. The application deadline is May 24, 2024 at the following link: www.f6s.com/ewa-2024-bulgaria-blgaria/apply.
https://www.dunavmost.com/novini/10-000-evro-finansirane-za-damite-v-agrosektora
bloombergtv.bg – The euro will force changes not only in cash registers, but also in business software
Published: 23.04.2024/12/20 XNUMX:XNUMX
The reset of business software used by companies in Bulgaria to work with the euro after the country's accession to the eurozone depends on the adoption of the regulatory framework. Companies can do preliminary tests, have conversations with software providers, but in the integration with fiscal devices, preparations cannot be made without a clear format and structure of communication with these devices, so that data exchange with the NRA takes place. This was said by Pasco Paskov, a member of the Bulgarian Association for the Development of business software and manager of "Step-Soft", in the show "Business start" with host Hristo Nikolov.
"In any case, the "bottleneck" is the Bulgarian Institute of Metrology - the people there will be really extremely busy, because not only the approval of the fiscal devices depends on them, but they have to approve all the systems of the gas stations, the large retail chains."
With the previous change to the cash registers, there were several months of preparation and ready regulatory texts, Paskov reminded. "Now it is clear that we have a law, it says that changes must be made that require changes in the fiscal devices, but the rest is not clear - accounting software, ТРЗ."
The public discussion of the law for the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria ends on April 24, after which it must be voted on in the National Assembly. The law provides for an 18-month period of announcing prices in euros and levs and updating all fiscal devices. Clear deadlines were also given for the various stages of the change in the devices, but it is not clear how their communication with the NRA will be carried out until it becomes clear what the subsequent changes will be in Regulation H-18 for registering and reporting sales in commercial establishments, said Paskov.
There are no devices for which it will be impossible to reconfigure.
You can watch more about the expected technical challenges in the introduction of the euro, what kind of experience Bulgaria could have from Croatia in the video.
All guests of the show "Business start" can be found here.
http://www.turbulence.tech