This study was conducted in February – March 2025 among 75 young people who were  not in work, nor in education – the so called NEEDs.

It is clear that the group of Bulgarian NEETs who took part in the study need guidance and help to get involved into training and work. Most of them have a positive attitude to learning and employment but need to develop skills and capacity to identify employment and learning opportunities. The study itself helped them somehow to increase their awareness of their needs, potential and deficits. NEETs need technical skills in certain areas, including digital skills and green skills, including soft skills like effective communication and team work. They also need motivation and support to overcome various barriers to learning and employment. A good start to help NEETs would be guidance such as basic orientation in CV development, use of search platforms for training and job opportunities, career orientation and support in engagement in learning, networking and building mental adaptability to different work environments.

Companies and employers would play a critical role in helping NEETs gain experiences and adapt to the world of work. Employers can also provide relevant labor market information, and to facilitate transitions to the workplace. Local-level cooperation between guidance service, companies, municipalities and other key stakeholders could be an important factor to create opportunities for young people to find jobs and internships.

The Report can be downloaded here.

 This study is done within the Project PRODIGY (PROmoting Digital and Green skills for Youth) .

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.