On October 30, 2018, the renovated building of the Technical College – Kazanlak of the Technical University – Sofia was officially opened. On the eve of the Day of the Enlighteners, the Mayor of the Municipality of Kazanlak, Galina Stoyanova, identified representatives of the local business as modern enlighteners. She expressed her gratitude to the entrepreneurial people of Kazanlak for their initiative to support the development of the personnel needed by the city's labor market.
The Rector of the Technical University – Sofia, Corresponding Member, Dr. Sci. Georgi Mihov, also expressed his gratitude to the Municipality of Kazanlak and the business sector. Addressing People's Representative Boris Karchev, the Regional Governor Gergana Mikova, former MP Neno Vlaykov, the Head of the Regional Inspectorate of Education Tatyana Dimitrova, representatives of the Municipal Council – Kazanlak and the Municipal Administration, the city's industry, and the academic community, Prof. Georgi Mihov said: "A year ago, we jointly laid the foundation for training oriented towards the requirements of the market and business. It is a fact that for many years Kazanlak has been the center of mechanical engineering in Bulgaria, and that the city and the region need qualified specialists with higher education. There is a strong hunger for engineers not only in Kazanlak but throughout the entire country. The mission of the college is related to overcoming all these challenges, and this can only happen with the help of business, with a good material base that will ensure the training of competitive specialists." The Rector emphasized: "Our presence here is proof that we have kept our promise from a year ago," and to the students he said: "Take advantage of this opportunity and remember that the city, the region, and Bulgaria need you!"
Prof. Ivelin Ganev, Director of the Technical College, expressed gratitude to everyone who accepted the realization of the first building of a higher education institution in Kazanlak as a personal commitment: "The college is not just a goal for Kazanlak. It is a cause, and today it holds the hope for training personnel for the mechanical engineering business in the city. We are grateful for the donations from the local business. It is evident that the spirit of the people in Kazanlak is alive and the revival flame has not been extinguished."
The building of the former Professional High School of Construction was provided for use and management by the Technical University – Sofia for the needs of the college in Kazanlak by Decision No. 29 of March 2018. Renovation works began after the joint initiative of the Municipality of Kazanlak, the local business, and the college, and the collection of over 320,000 BGN from 32 companies and 14 individuals.
The secured funds financed renovation works on the building: replacement of the electrical installation, installation of LED lighting in accordance with all modern requirements, construction of a new heating installation and gasification. The premises have been fully renovated, with new flooring and sanitary facilities. Smoke detectors and video surveillance have been installed. The modern visualization systems built will support the teaching of the curriculum.
This year, Technical College - Kazanlak admitted students for the second time in the specialty "Machine Technology". Thus, in the only legitimate higher education institution in the city, a branch of the Technical University - Sofia in the renovated building, nearly 150 students are studying in the first and second year..
