UniCredit’s ESG strategy is built on key principles, including leading by example, setting ambitious goals for a fair transition, equipping clients with tools for navigating sustainability, and unlocking investments to reach long-term commitments. Funded by UniCredit and aligned with its ESG strategy, the Skills for Transition program offers free training to help employees and students adapt to a low-carbon economy, focusing on ESG fundamentals and industry-specific topics to enhance employment, social mobility and competitiveness. Bilyana Mladenova-Mileva, Manager of ESG Strategy at UniCredit Bulbank since March 2023, has over 20 years of experience in Bulgaria's financial sector. She previously held senior roles in corporate credit and development at a major local bank. Mrs. Mladenova-Mileva has a Master’s degree in International Economic Relations from the University of National and World Economy in Sofia. 

What has motivated Unicredit to initiate the Skills for Transition programme and how does it align with UniCredit’s broader ESG strategy? 

Integrating sustainability into everything we do is one of the five strategic pillars of our development plan - UniCredit Unlocked. This plan builds on strong foundations to unlock the Group's potential, paving the way for the future of the bank and all its stakeholders. One of the key pillars, “Customer and community support”, aims for us to provide the resources, knowledge and expertise needed to help our customers and communities manage their environmental and social transition. We see education as one of the fundamentals in helping our clients and communities to progress towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable society. With this in mind, the Skills for Transition program aims not only to boost employment and improve social mobility, but also to do so in a way that equips companies to address some of the biggest challenges they face today. 

How does the programme address challenges faced by industries most affected by the green transition?  

Skills for Transition is a unique training programme aiming to develop new skills to support the green transition. It is structured into three streams targeting young people as well as our clients’ employees working in some of the industries most impacted by the green transition - namely agrifood, real estate and construction, and transportation and storage -, while also being available for all industry sectors. It enables the acquisition of new knowledge that is in high demand in the labor market. The stream for company employees is organised on a digital platform in three modules: ESG Basic, Industry specifics, and Employee Profile. The first module is suitable for all sectors and provides knowledge on the basics of sustainability, regulations, sustainable technologies and digital trends in business. The other two modules are focused on the target industries and include tailored content and regulatory frameworks, while addressing the transition process and providing operational support for the targeted employee profiles. We believe that the Skills for Transition programme is an excellent way to inform people about the necessary changes that need to occur in order to keep the world modern, but also green. 

What are some of the outcomes you anticipate in terms of social mobility and employment and how will you evaluate the success of the programme? 

Based on the current data, 70% of companies think that the digital and green transition will reshape the way they do business. The share of “green talent” in the international workforce has grown by only 12%, while the share of ads requiring at least one of these skills increased by as much as 22.4%. In most economic sectors existing jobs will evolve, incorporating green skills in increasingly profound and impactful ways. The small and medium enterprises are the backbone of Bulgarian economy and Unicredit knows that the banking sector can support business not only with financing but also with valuable expertise. Participation in the training is completely free for both companies and workers. Training is delivered through a digital platform, accessible 24/7 in workers' local languages to ensure maximum flexibility. We will gladly welcome as many companies and employees as possible. 

How can regular companies benefit from this opportunity?  

Being committed to local community development, UniCredit is not limiting access to the programme only to its clients; instead, every company on the market could benefit from it.  The Skills for Transition programme develops distinctive employee competencies to increase competitiveness. After completing the training,  a test is administered and a certificate is awarded, helping companies  lower training costs and enhance the productivity of their learning processes. For more information, there is a dedicated page on our website explaining how companies can subscribe to the programme.