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Students from the Smolyan Branch of tVFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" in dialogue with business representatives of the Plovdiv Fair
21 April 2026
The practical training on the topic “From knowledge to practice: the dialogue that builds the future” brought together students from the Smolyan Branch of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” and representatives of stakeholders, local and executive authorities, industry and academia. The event aimed at promoting constructive dialogue, exchange of knowledge and good practices in the field of investment, while creating a platform for interaction between education, the public sector and the business.
The initiative, implemented within the framework of the programme of the International Fair – Plovdiv, was officially opened by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anelia Parzhanova – Director of the Smolyan Branch of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” and Prof. Dr. Ivan Sokolov – lecturer at the branch and chief director of the International Fair – Plovdiv. Yani Yanev, Vice President of Varna Free University, congratulated the participants in the training.
Eng. Lyubomir Kachamakov – Chairperson of the Board of Directors at The Bulgarian Construction Chamber (BCC), welcomed the students, emphasizing the importance of the interaction between the academic community and professional practice for the preparation of future specialists.
Ivan Krastev – Director of the Territorial Directorate of the National Revenue Agency – Plovdiv also participated in the training as a guest lecturer.
Representatives of key companies from the construction and energy sector took part in the forum, including: Eng. Kremen Krasin – owner of Promenergomontazh AD and Krasin OOD – member of the Board of Directors of the – Smolyan; Eng. Dario Stoev – owner of Drileks AD and Evolution Investments OOD; Eng. Valentin Kyulhanski – Manager of VIK Stroy and member of the Board of Directors of the The Bulgarian Construction Chamber – Smolyan; Eng. Nikolay Runev – Executive Director of VANP Invest; Eng. Pavel Varnadzhiev – Manager of Inter Polis EOOD; Eng. Yulian Kirilov – Executive Director of Vice Profile; Eng. Ventsislav Giritliev – Manager of Ventsi Veni Gaz; Ivan Boev - Reneta Indjova – Procurator of Stroitel Newspaper.
Students from Ivan Vazov Language School and Smolyan Vocational High School of Tourism and Construction, together with their school principals Nadezhda Goranova and Antoaneta Karadjova, actively participated in the event. The students had the opportunity to ask questions, receive practical information and make direct contact with potential employers. The meeting provided space for an open conversation about the expectations and motivation of young people, as well as for the presentation of specific support mechanisms – internships, practices and scholarships.
The initiative once again confirmed the importance of effective cooperation between representatives of local and executive authorities, industry and the academic community, aimed at creating a favorable environment for the development of entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth.
Report by Ioana-Krista Sokolova for POTV Trakia:
See more photos from the event at: