May 27 (BTA) Ninety-two per cent of Bulgarian adults
agree that their government should prioritize investment in
their learning and training, the National Agency for Vocational
Education and Training (NAVET) said in a press release
distributed by the Bulgarian Industrial Association. The case
for prioritizing adult learning and training is strengthened by
the 29 per cent of adults in Bulgaria who said that they lack
some general skills to do their job, above the EU average of 22
per cent. In addition, 31 per cent of adults in Bulgaria said
that they lacked some technical skills to carry out their job,
also higher than the EU average of 28 per cent.

BulgariaТs adults are positive about learning and training. Over
 90 per cent say that they bring real benefits and help people
to find a job, to make progress in their careers and can
increase their pay. Further, 83 per cent believe that they can
help reduce unemployment.
   
Perceptions differ about the quality of adult learning and
training in Bulgaria. Some 64 per cent of adults generally
regard its quality as good or fairly good, compared to 69 per
cent in the EU. However, 96% of adults who had participated in
organized learning and training in the previous year rated it as
 good or fairly good, compared to 93 per cent across the EU.
Some 72 per cent of adults across the EU agree that there are
many learning and training opportunities in their country,
compared to 66 per cent in Bulgaria.

The survey reports that in the previous 12 months, 30 per cent
of adults in Bulgaria had looked for information on adult
learning and training opportunities, compared to 40 per cent in
the EU overall. Some 66 per cent of adults in Bulgaria said that
 information was easy to find, the same as the EU average. In 22
 out of the 30 European countries surveyed, the main reason
adults give for not participating in learning or training is
that they have no need, but not in Bulgaria, NAVET commented.
The number one reason given by 34 per cent of adults in Bulgaria
 is the difficulties they face combining training with other
commitments.
   
Some 64 per cent of adults in Bulgaria strongly support measures
 that provide financial help to encourage adults to participate
in learning and training, compared to 56 per cent across the EU.
 Some 62 per cent also strongly support recognition and
certification of adult learning, above the EU average of 54 per
cent. In addition, 53 per cent strongly believe that better
information and guidance would increase participation, compared
to 49 per cent across the EU. The EU has been trying to increase
 adult participation in learning and training and although it
has risen to around 11 per cent it remains below its target of
15 per cent across Europe by 2020. Many Member States fell short
 of this target, including Bulgaria, where participation is
around 2.5 per cent./NV/BR

//