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BG05SFPR002-1.005-0004 "Comprehensive approach to ensuring motivated and qualified human resources: Rating and tools for increasing the attractiveness of key professions; pilot implementation in practice and multiplication for balanced provision of qualified personnel and lifelong learning; limitation and prevention of undeclared employment and support for enterprises and employees for a successful twin transition" |
BICA Continues the Fight Against the Informal Economy and Will Increase the Attractiveness of Key Professions for the Bulgarian Economy
On January 15, 2024, the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA) signed a contract and launched the implementation of project BG05SFPR002-1.005-0004 titled:
"Comprehensive Approach to Ensuring Motivated and Qualified Human Resources: Rating and Tools for Enhancing the Attractiveness of Key Professions; Pilot Implementation in Practice and Multiplication for Balanced Provision of Skilled Labor and Lifelong Learning; Limiting and Preventing Undeclared Work and Supporting Businesses and Employees for a Successful Twin Transition".
The project is carried out in partnership with the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB), Confederation of Labour "Podkrepa", and the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. It is co-financed by the European Union through the Human Resources Development Programme 2021–2027.
Through this project, BICA will focus on recognizing and incorporating the effects of recent multiple crises, new forms of employment, and the challenges of the twin transition, in order to balance the labor market and provide motivated human resources with the necessary qualifications and skills. The project will build upon and adapt innovative tools developed in previous projects to the new conditions, such as the Composite "Light Economy" Index, the "Declared Employment" Sub-Index, and the Professions Attractiveness Rating.
New tools will also be developed, including sectoral qualification frameworks, models for increasing the attractiveness of professions, mentorship and apprenticeship tools, as well as refined models for the implementation of individual learning accounts and micro-credentials. These, along with the other tools and models, will be tested in real working environments across 250 enterprises and 1,400 employees.
The project will focus on 17 key sectors of the Bulgarian economy:
Agriculture; Textile and Apparel; Perfumery and Cosmetics; Machinery and Metalworking; Electrical Engineering and ICT; Water Supply and Sewerage; Infrastructure Construction; Water Transport; Air Transport; Transport and Logistics; Tourism; Publishing; Education; Healthcare; Cultural and Creative Industries; Consulting Services; and Viticulture and Winemaking.
The total project budget is BGN 8,418,141.27, of which BGN 7,055,412.57 is European and BGN 1,362,728.70 is national funding.
The project includes three main activities:
Activity 1 focuses on helping enterprises and workers adapt to changes in the economy and labor market, taking into account the effects of recent multiple crises and the emergence of new professions. It outlines appropriate measures to accelerate the twin transition and reduce risks related to undeclared work. Tools and models will be developed and piloted in real environments to:
- Reduce undeclared work and the informal economy that drives it;
- Increase the attractiveness of key professions essential to Bulgaria’s economic development;
- Improve access to employment and quality jobs.
This activity will upgrade and update the Professions Attractiveness Rating, as well as both indexes. A minimum of 35 models for enhancing profession attractiveness will be developed.
Activity 2 envisions strengthening the capacity and expertise of the National Center "Light Economy" (NCLE), managed by BICA, through the establishment of at least 10 regional units. Experts hired under this activity will be trained and will conduct various regional-level meetings, campaigns, consultations, and training sessions. The functions and tools used by the National Center will also be expanded.
Activity 3 involves developing tools to enhance the capacity of social partners and supporting joint actions to implement social dialogue and reach agreements at national and sectoral levels. Activities will include support for employers and the development of skills to promote lifelong learning processes. Training programs will be created based on the tools and models developed under the other activities. These programs will target employers and employees, including sectoral employer organizations at various levels, to help them acquire knowledge and skills for organizing and optimizing business processes in the context of the circular economy and the green transition.
- Project Start Date: January 15, 2024
- Project End Date: December 31, 2027
