Vocational Education and Training (VET) Manager – Hydrogen Technologies

Location: Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

Position Type: Part time, Fixed Term

Start Date: December 2025 (flexible)

Join a Groundbreaking Horizon Europe Project!

The Hydrogen Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Trakia University (TrU) in Stara Zagora, established under the Horizon Europe-funded H2Start project “Green Innovations in Hydrogen for Sustainable Energy Transition (H2start)” is seeking a Vocational Education and Training (VET) Manager – Hydrogen Technologies to support both the development of the Center and the creation of new generation of educated people in the region with expertise in hydrogen technologies.

About the Role

This role is central to the development and implementation of Vocational Education and Training (VET), and further, Technological Education and Training (TVET), a key enabler of the transition to a clean hydrogen economy in the Region, in Bulgaria and across Europe. With hydrogen technologies becoming a cornerstone of the green energy transformation, the region of Stara Zagora faces a pressing challenge: guiding a skilled workforce from coal-based industries toward new opportunities in clean hydrogen. Meeting this challenge calls for ambitious skilling, upskilling, and reskilling programmes aligned with future industrial needs.

As VET Manager, you will lead this effort by shaping and delivering a comprehensive training strategy towards empowering technical professionals, students, and industry practitioners with the knowledge and competencies required to succeed in the hydrogen economy and ensuring its legislation on national and EU level..

Key Responsibilities

·         Lead the development and implementation of VET programmes in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

·         Apply the Hydrogen Skills Strategy for Europe (Greenskills4H2 initiative) to the local context.

·         Conduct a survey of regional industry VET needs, with a focus on reskilling workers from the coal sector.

·         Identify and manage the development of training modules for hydrogen production, storage, transport, and application.

·         Deliver training using CoE infrastructure: classrooms, laboratories, and pilot installations.

·         Manage the organisation, certification, and accreditation of VET courses in line with national and EU standards.

·         Ensure compliance with legislative requirements for educational programme recognition.

·         Collaborate with industry, education providers, and policymakers to align training with future labour market needs.

·         Contribute to the CoE’s long-term workforce development, skills innovation, and sustainability strategy.

Minimum Requirements

·         Master’s degree in Education, Pedagogy, Engineering, Energy Technologies, or related field.

·         At least 10 years of practical pedagogical experience, with proven expertise in organising and delivering training programmes.

·         Demonstrated experience in VET course design, certification, and accreditation.

·         Strong knowledge of national and EU legislative/regulatory requirements for vocational education.

·         Proven ability to manage educational projects involving industry and public stakeholders.

·         Excellent oral and written communication skills in Bulgarian and English.

Preferred Qualifications

·         Doctoral degree in Education (curriculum design, VET, or STEM education) or in a relevant technical field (e.g., Chemical Engineering, Energy Systems, Hydrogen Technologies).

·         Experience in the energy sector or in clean energy transition projects.

·         Familiarity with hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

·         Experience developing curricula for upskilling/reskilling technical workforces.

·         Strong organisational and strategic planning skills.

·         Knowledge of additional foreign languages is an advantage.

What We Offer

·         A leadership role in shaping the future of hydrogen education, research, and innovation.

·         Opportunity to work at the crossroads of advanced science, engineering, and industrial transformation.

·         Competitive salary aligned with experience and EU project standards, with performance-based recognition and growth opportunities.

·         Work-life balance with flexible working hours, flexitime, and home office options.

·         Direct involvement in establishing state-of-the-art hydrogen training and research facilities.

·         Access to advanced infrastructure, pilot installations, and strong industrial partnerships.

·         A dynamic, international, and mission-driven team environment that values diversity and equal opportunities.

·         Professional development and long-term career perspectives in the clean energy transition.

Why Work in Stara Zagora?

Stara Zagora is transforming from a coal-powered energy hub to a clean energy leader. This transition is anchored by large-scale hydrogen initiatives such as the ZAHYR Hydrogen Valley and the Horizon Europe-funded H2Start project. By joining our team, you will be at the heart of this transformation, helping design educational programmes with both local impact and global reach.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV (EU format) and Motivation Letter  by (10 DAYS FROM THE SUBMITTION DATE) , 2025 to [email protected] with the subject line: Application for “VET Manager – Hydrogen Technologies".

Application Process

- All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Interviews will be conducted online – no physical presence required.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our team!