Representatives of the National Agency for Vocational Education and Training (NAVET) participated in the final conference “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Dual Training”, held on 30 September 2026 in Sofia. The event was organised within the framework of the European project “Artificial Intelligence in Apprenticeship Mentoring” (AI in Mentoring), coordinated by the Bulgarian Industrial Association and funded under the Erasmus+ Programme.
The conference brought together representatives of public institutions, businesses, education and training organisations, universities and sectoral organisations. The results of the two-year project and the practical experience of mentors and trainers from Bulgaria, Belgium and Spain in using artificial intelligence in vocational education and training and mentoring were presented.
One of the main topics was the role of artificial intelligence as a tool to support mentors in preparing training materials, exercises and instructions, structuring information and providing feedback to learners.
Participants emphasised that AI is most beneficial when used to address specific practical tasks and to free up time for direct work with learners. At the same time, it was stressed that AI cannot replace the professional experience, judgement and human interaction that are essential to effective mentoring.
The discussions also focused on the need for critical assessment of AI-generated information, the responsible use of personal and company data, and the adaptation of training approaches to the changing requirements of the labour market.
The final conference highlighted the importance of digital technologies for the development of modern vocational education and training and the need to prepare trainers and mentors for the effective and responsible use of artificial intelligence.