Skills Ecosystem and the Role of School Management for Sustainable Development of Dual Education

The article presents an analysis of the mechanisms used by a vocational high school in Bulgaria to develop dual training and implement it sustainably. It focuses on the school management’s leadership role in the network of different stakeholders, demonstrating the importance of this aspect in the entire process of developing dual education. Apart from the case analysis of the Bulgarian vocational high school’s successful implementation of dual learning, the research strategy includes examining regulatory documents, evaluation reports and publications in media and by companies, as well as analyzing the attitudes among key stakeholders. An overview of the challenges facing dual education in Bulgaria is also provided. Based on the case study findings, the factors supporting the implementation and sustainability of the dual system have been identified. We conclude that the long-term development of the dual education model depends on the understanding that the formation of professional skills is a dynamic process, requiring attention to the needs of the local environment, adaptability to current changes and active participation by all stakeholders. The role of school leadership—with regard to both its motivation and activity—has proven to be essential, and therefore it should not be overlooked when creating state incentives to support dual training.