The Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association wants changes in the Bulgarian system of education, so as to improve its connection with the labour market. One of the steps they are demanding is an obligatory matriculation exam in mathematics.

“If we want good engineers at the exit of the system of university education, we need young people well prepped in natural sciences and mathematics at its entrance,” said Vasil Velev from the Association.  

Employers say the proposal may face resistance from parents. Vasil Velev emphasized that 68 percent of employers in this country are having problems hiring qualified staff, whereas the average percentage worldwide is 45. Bulgaria is also close to the bottom of the list of EU countries in productivity of labour.