More and more schools in Burgas are looking for ways to introduce students to real work in the technology industry before they graduate. Practical projects, developed with the support of mentors and in partnership with businesses, are gradually becoming a natural extension of the learning process, giving young people the opportunity not only to apply their knowledge, but also to gain a clearer sense of their professional path.

One of the most prominent examples is the AIBEST Tech Academy, which this year marked its most successful edition to date. More than 150 students from the Vocational High School of Computer Programming and Innovation, Vocational High School of Electrical Engineering “Konstantin Fotinov”, High School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences “Acad. Nikola Obreshkov”, High School of Romance Languages “Georgi Stoykov Rakovski”, German Language High School “Goethe”, English Language High School “Geo Milev”, Vocational High School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and Electronics, and the national programme “IT Skills and Career” worked for three weeks on software challenge with the support of 20 mentors from leading technology companies. For the first time in the initiative’s history, the jury awarded five student teams instead of the traditional three.

But what remains after the projects and the awards?

According to Dimitrina Todorova, Principal of the Vocational High School of Computer Programming and Innovation, the greatest value of such initiatives is that students begin to gain a clearer understanding of what the professional world looks like.

“Participating in initiatives such as the AIBEST Technical Academy gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real working environment and to meet professionals from the IT sector. It is a valuable bridge between education and business that motivates young people, develops practical skills and encourages them to think creatively. The greatest value is that students gain real experience, confidence and a clearer understanding of their future professional development,” says Dimitrina Todorova.

According to her, the change in the students is visible after just three weeks: “They become more confident, more proactive and better organised. Working on specific business cases teaches them to analyse problems, make decisions and work effectively as a team, while mentoring from professionals provides them with valuable feedback and inspiration for their future development.”

For Eng. Pavlina Mihaylova-Gradishka, Principal of the Vocational High School of Electrical Engineering “Konstantin Fotinov”, the academy has another important role — building a community: “Within the academy, students work on a specific assignment from a business, receive support from mentors with practical experience and see how real software is created. Equally valuable is the opportunity to meet other young people with similar interests and build an active technology community here in Burgas,” she notes.

According to her, it is precisely the practical work that helps students realise how directly the knowledge they acquire at school can be applied.

“After such an intensive experience, students become more confident, more proactive and better prepared to deal with challenges in the work process. Some of them realise that the knowledge and skills they acquire at school have a direct application in real work. Others discover new technologies and areas for development. Alongside their technical skills, they improve their communication, teamwork, task allocation and presentation of ideas.”

Both principals agree that such partnerships between schools and businesses are no longer an addition to education, but a necessary part of it.

“They give students the opportunity to become familiar with current technologies, work processes and professional standards while they are still studying. This not only increases their motivation, but also prepares them more successfully for a future career by developing skills that employers value — teamwork, communication, adaptability and solving real-world problems,” says Dimitrina Todorova.

Eng. Pavlina Mihaylova-Gradishka adds that the benefit goes both ways: “Students understand how what they learn at school is used in a real professional environment and become familiar with the organisation of the work process, team roles and employers’ expectations. At the same time, businesses have the opportunity to take an active part in preparing future professionals and digital leaders. This is a sustainable model that benefits young people, the school, businesses and the local community alike.”

“Our mission is to create an environment in which businesses and students truly come together. Over the years, initiatives like this have helped strengthen a connection that shapes successful people in the business world. We are grateful to the mentors and their organisations, who continue to support and inspire the next generation — the people who, in a few years, will be standing where we are today,” says Ivan Rusev, one of the main driving forces behind the academy, a member of the AIBEST Management Board and Head of Software Development at Experian Bulgaria.

The Technical Academy is part of AIBEST’s long-term efforts to connect education with the technology industry and encourage partnerships between schools, businesses and local authorities. In recent years, the initiative has established itself as a model that gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world environment, while enabling companies to invest time, expertise and mentoring in the next generation of professionals.