Plovdiv/Sofia, 03.11.2011 –The first training laboratory for solar technicians in Bulgaria was solemnly opened. The  festive opening was attended by representatives of Koblenz Chamber of Crafts, representatives of Plovdiv municipality,  different   institutions and formal guests from Bulgaia and the Balkan region. The modern facility has been solemnly  handed over from the   President of Koblenz Chamber of Crafts, Mr. Werner Wittlich to the Principal of the Vocational  Training Centre MUZTPO Plovdiv, Mr. Krasimir Schipkov.

For 20 years now Koblenz Chamber of Crafts has been involved in partnership projects with several countries on the Balkans and has participated actively in support of local crafts. In the last few years it has also worked on activities aiming at the development of the future market for solar electricity and solar thermal technology in support of heating systems. The Balkan Middle Class Office, a business representative organization comprising 34 medium sized organizations out of 10 southeast European countries, continues its initiatives in the field of continuing education and training by developing new training opportunities. A particular focus will be put on environment and renewable energy related training opportunities. It is worth mentioning that the solar experts underwent several extensive trainings which took place in Koblenz Chamber of Crafts.

After over 120 hours of continuing training for almost 100 craftsmen and multipliers, finally they have got the chance not only to educate themselves but also to educate solar technicians from Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Now Koblenz Chamber of Crafts provides the opportunity not only for stationary training but for mobile training as well. And here is the clue: A minibus equipped with all latest solar technology needed for a training was set up in MUTZPO Plovdiv premises, a full range of high-quality professional tools for the installation of photovoltaic systems and solar collectors, didactic stands, computer equipment  and the necessary software - all that on board the new solar minibus which is currently situated in MUZTPO Plovdiv and will be used in the future for continuing training of craftsmen.

Supported by business sponsors and other grant donors,mainly the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) ,  the new solar minibus  is an important contribution to the further development of craftsmanship and the better positioning of craft organizations in the southeast European countries. The mobile solar laboratory is part of the Project for economic cooperation between Rheinland Pfalz and Southeast Europe.

Parallel to the festive opening of the first training lab for solar equipment, an expert team on developing and maintenance of member enterprises database of the Craft organizations in southeast Europe was established. Representatives of the partner organizations in the Partnership project between Koblenz Chamber of Crafts and the West Balkans assembled in the second largest city in Bulgaria. The major task of the expert team is to identify the needs of each organization in regard to  database and the possible ways for its structuring and maintenance. The aim is that the organizations are positioned closer to the companies, offer better services to them and display better representation and support of their interests.

The first meeting of the expert team was organized by  the Balkan Middle Class Office , coordinator of the West Balkans project. The workshop was moderated by Mr. Emil Vasilev, executive director of the BMCO whereas the German experience in the field of register keeping was presented by the German expert Rudi H?fer, Head of Register   at the Koblenz Chamber of Crafts. Significant contribution to the topic of register development was made the Bulgarian expert, Mr. Ivan Jordanov who worked out the register used by the Bulgarian National and Regional Chambers of Craft. Representatives of partner organizations from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro and Serbia were present at the meeting as well.

More information:

Balkan Middle Class Office

Sofia 1000

Tel.: 00359 2 980 99 16

www.mbb-org.eu

www.westbalkans.net