Representatives of local institutions, labour market experts and employers gathered in Stara Zagora for a Network4Work stakeholder meeting focused on analysing current employment challenges and exploring opportunities for stronger cooperation.
As a partner in the Network4Work URBACT Transfer Network, the Municipality of Stara Zagora is working to strengthen local employment governance by adapting elements of Nyíregyháza's Employment Forum Good Practice to its local context.
During the meeting, participants discussed the current state of the local labour market and identified several key challenges. While job opportunities are available, employers increasingly report difficulties in finding suitable candidates. Discussions highlighted a growing mismatch between labour market demand and available skills, as well as a shortage of soft skills such as adaptability, teamwork and work discipline.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange views on positions that remain difficult to fill and the specific competences required for successful employment in the region.
Participants learned more about Nyíregyháza's Employment Forum model, which brings together employers, public institutions, education providers and other stakeholders to jointly address labour market challenges through dialogue, analysis and coordinated action.
The discussions marked an important step in the development of Stara Zagora's local stakeholder network and contributed to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities that will shape the city's transfer journey within Network4Work.
By bringing key actors together around the same table, the meeting demonstrated the importance of cooperation in addressing local employment challenges and developing solutions tailored to local needs.
