June 22 (BTA) - The European Investment Fund (EIF) and the Telerik Academy have signed a guarantee agreement covering a portfolio of tuition fee deferrals of up to 2.5 million euro to help students finance their IT skills training, the European Commission Representation in Sofia said in a press release on Tuesday.

The guarantee is backed by the Commission European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) Skills & Education Guarantee Pilot (a debt financing initiative launched in 2020 for stimulating investments in education, training and skills). This agreement and the ongoing partnership with Allianz Bank Bulgaria will benefit students from across Bulgaria who can also join courses online. In addition to digital skills training, the Telerik Academy offers career soft skills training, coaching and mentoring to support students both during their studies and after graduation, and ensure a successful start to their career.

EU Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Commissioner Mariya Gabriel said, quoted in the press release: "Digital technology and IT skills are no longer optional in our societies, instead they have become essential. The COVID-19 crisis has both accelerated the digital transformation and highlighted a need for deeper cooperation across sectors and industries."

The Investment Plan for Europe has so far mobilized 546.5 billion euro of investment across the EU, including 4.6 billion euro in Bulgaria. RI/LG
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