Continuing Vocational Training of Human Resources: Results of a Longitudinal Survey
Mariya Neycheva, Burgas Free University (Bulgaria)
Abstract
The paper focuses on continuing vocational training provided by the companies. It briefly presents the theoretical reasoning behind the firms’ investments in training. An emphasis is placed on the outcomes of an empirical survey on continuing training performed repeatedly in three waves during: 2020, 2022, and 2024. The sample includes Bulgarian private non-financial enterprises operating across the southeastern region of the country. The survey method is direct standardized interview conducted with owners or managers, including human resource development managers. The questionnaire explores a wide range of aspects such as company’s characteristics, innovation activity, factors of performance and effectiveness, etc. Regarding the training provided by the companies, the survey focuses on the reasons to invest in training of the firm staff, the training providers, the obstacles to training investments, etc. The comparative analysis of the survey outcomes across the three rounds allows for outlining some major patterns and tendencies in adult vocational training as well as its impact on the firm performance.
Keywords: adult education, continuing vocational training, firm provided vocational training
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