There are 37 licensed by NAVET centres for information and vocational guidance operating in the country. According to the presented reporting data for 2024, there is only 1 newly licensed center. This trend has persisted in recent years and clearly illustrates the need for measures to promote the benefits of career guidance services in the country.
The clients of the licensed centers in 2024 are mainly from Bulgaria (481) and clients from other countries being significantly fewer (only 4). Comparative data for 2023 show a decrease in the number of unemployed consulted persons – clients of the centres – from 214 to 122 persons, an increase in clients who are employed persons – from 122 to 330 persons and a decrease in the number of students who have benefited from the services offered by the centres – from 67 to 45 persons.
The average age of clients of licensed centres is 39 years in 2024, and for comparison in 2023 it was 40 years. The average estimated price of services is 122.63 leva (63 EUR), compared to 75.81 leva (38 EUR) in 2023 and 91.60 leva (47 EUR) in 2022.
The largest number of clients are those who have financed the guidance services themselves (67%), followed by clients who have benefited from financing through public sources (29%) and lastly, financing from an employer (4%).
The overwhelming majority of clients were referred by a school, vocational training center or college (45%). Clients referred by labor offices are 18%, and by family and friends (15%). A smaller share are clients who have themselves referred to the services of licensed centres – 12% of all clients. 10% of guidance service clients are referred by an employer.
