From Unemployed to a New Profession: A Chance for Work Through Retraining
Retraining gives unemployed people practical skills sought by employers; in 2025, 600 were trained, including 200 drivers and 40 internships with employers.
In conditions where labor market demands are changing rapidly, the Employment Agency offers retraining programs as a practical path for registered unemployed people to gain skills that employers seek.
The focus is on acquiring practical knowledge that matches companies' real needs, not just a formal certificate. "The Employment Agency intermediates in employment according to employers' needs and the profile of the unemployed persons, the knowledge and skills they possess. In the employment mediation process, the final decision on the selection of potential candidates is made by the employers themselves," the Agency points out.
One of the measures is "Training for in-demand occupations in the labor market." In 2025, through that program 600 unemployed people were covered who trained for various profiles: digital marketing, accounting clerk, caregiver for elderly and incapacitated persons, child caregiver, beautician, women's hairdresser and cook.
A separate segment are the trainings realized directly at the employer, where participants gain experience in a real work environment; in 2025, 40 unemployed people were included in such practical trainings. That gives them the opportunity to become familiar with specific work tasks, organizational methods and the expectations of the employer, while companies can upgrade staff according to their own needs.
For people interested in the transport sector, retraining also includes driver courses for C+E and D+E categories: in 2025, 200 unemployed people were included in those courses. Obtaining the appropriate license category and practical driving skills can open opportunities for employment at home and abroad.
"The aim of the measures is the acquisition of knowledge and skills by unemployed persons for occupations that are demanded on the labor market, that is, the acquisition of knowledge and skills to perform work tasks in accordance with employers' needs," the Agency says. All registered unemployed persons who meet the conditions listed in the public calls have the right to participate, and the final decision on employment is made by the employer, while the candidate independently evaluates whether to accept the offer.
Meanwhile, an audit "shook" the Employment Agency — the findings mention millions distributed in five cities, three-day contracts and 77 percent of the fees with one lawyer.
Photo: Sloboden Pechat / Metodi Zdravev
