Professional classes in "Vasil Levski" High School in Devnya

In 2017, under the slogan "Take the bread in your hands", a project for the creation of professional classes in "Vasil Levski" Secondary School in Devnya was realized, aiming at long-term investment in education and future of the city. The idea and the beginning of the project started in 2016 initiated by Devnya Cement, as the realization itself was carried out with the support and active participation of the business in the region, namely Agropolychim and Solvay Sodi, as well as Devnya Municipality in the face of the mayor Mr. Svilen Shitov and "Vasil Levski" Secondary School in the face of the Director Mr. Georgi Petkov.

As a result, in 2017/2018 school year, two classes were open in the specialties "Automation of Continuous Production" and "Electrical Equipment of Production". Every year, the admission continues, as opportunities for opening new specialties are considered. Joint initiatives to promote vocational training are periodically organized.

Agropolychim, Devnya Cement and Solvay Sodi are committed to enable students of both professional classes to visit the plants during their practical activities and to get acquainted with the specialists and the specifics of work in the professional sphere, in which they are trained. With the financial support of the three companies, every year students receive textbooks, lunch and scholarships for good performance. The business reinforced the learning process by upgrading and equipping modern specialized rooms for students' practical classes.

At the beginning of 2018, during the UN Global Compact Network Bulgaria Conference, the project was presented in a special panel as a good example of teamwork between business, education and local government. On June 8th, 2018 it was awarded with the first prize by b2b Media in the category "Educational Project in the scope of Business".

The project is a successful example of how three of the largest companies in Bulgaria are reaching out to create future-proofed cadres. A particular importance for the region has the sustainable partnership between business and local authorities, as well as the participation of young Devnya citizens and their teachers in attractive training programs and practices that will favor their retention in the local community.