The energy transition in Stara Zagora is underway, bringing both opportunities and a number of challenges. One of the greatest concerns among the region’s residents, as highlighted in a sociological survey commissioned by Economic.bg, is the potential loss of jobs.

In response, Brand Media Bulgaria is organizing a regional career forum to be held from 11 to 13 September 2025 at the Zahariy Knyazheski Regional Library in Stara Zagora. The event is part of the project “Transition Opportunities for Jobs Creation and Career Development” (known as TOP JOBS), co-funded by the European Union, and aims to connect businesses with motivated professionals transitioning into new green and innovative sectors that offer sustainable employment.

The TOP JOBS – Stara Zagora careers and skills fair is a key event for the future of work and the labor market in the region. It will accelerate the adaptation process for those affected by the energy transition and mitigate its negative effects. With this event, we help local people find the best employers, and companies – the best candidates, even before the changes have fully occurred.

We expect over 500 participants onsite and online. These include individuals directly impacted by the reduction in coal-related activities, young specialists at the start of their careers, and experienced professionals seeking a career shift. More than 30 exhibitors will showcase opportunities in sustainable industries. Training institutions, local and European experts, HR professionals, and representatives of the non-governmental sector will also share their experience and vision for the future.

Agenda

The program is diverse and includes:

  • exhibition area: meet leading companies and their offerings;
  • practical workshops: learn new skills and prepare for the future;
  • public lectures: hear from top experts and motivational speakers.

Highlights will focus on sustainable employment, future skills in the context of digital and green transformation, the need for retraining, the future of green industries, entrepreneurship, burnout prevention, career transformation after 50+, and much more. We will also discuss current challenges for labor market development in the region.

We will offer individual and group sessions with professional HR consultants to help guide your career path, prepare for job interviews, and create a strong personal presentation.

Visitors will be able to participate in virtual reality (VR) sessions focused on building soft skills. Immersed in an interactive environment, you will experience realistic scenarios related to communication, leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Many surprises and meetings with celebrities await.

Save the dates 11–13 September 2025 and follow the event website to be the first to know when registration opens: https://topjobs.economic.bg/ 

The forum is organized by Brand Media Bulgaria in strategic partnership with Stara Zagora Municipality, Regional Economic Development Agency – Stara Zagora, and Trakia University. Media partner: Kmeta.bg.

The event will take place in Bulgarian.

Contact: For more information and partnership opportunities, please contact Aseniya Dimitrova, TOP JOBS Project Manager: a.dimitrova@economic.bg

About the organizer

Brand Media Bulgaria is a reputable media publisher and professional event organizer. Our media portfolio includes sites like Economic.bg, one of the fastest-growing business portals in the country, and Kmeta.bg – a trusted partner of local communities and authorities, and organizer of the “Mayor of the Year” competition.

For a second consecutive year, the company is implementing the “Transition Opportunities” (TOP) project to promote the European cohesion policy in the Stara Zagora region. It addresses upcoming changes related to the economic transformation caused by the phase-out of coal production. Over the years, we have built trusted partnerships with key stakeholders in this transition and engaged thousands of citizens interested in their post-coal future.

Co-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 the Managing Authority. Neither the European Union nor the Managing Authority can be held responsible for them.