L'ITS Academy (Higher Technological Institute) is one of the main training routes in Italy, designed to bridge the gap between school and the world of work. A particularly relevant aspect of this route is the possibility of apprenticeship as a mode of on-the-job training.

But how exactly does an apprenticeship in an ITS Academy work? And when is it possible to undertake this type of training? Before we get to that, it is important to understand what we are talking about when we refer to an ITS Academy. ITSs are post-diploma institutes of higher technical education, created to meet the needs of companies in specific sectors such as mechatronics, agribusiness, fashion, ICT, sustainable mobility and many others.

These institutions, such as theITS Move AcademyThey offer two- or three-year courses with the aim of training highly specialised professionals ready to be directly employed. The ITS Academy is a viable alternative to university courseswith an increased focus on practical activities and direct connection with local businesses.

ITS Academy and apprenticeship: the key steps

L'apprenticeship is a mode of contract which allows young people to alternate periods of classroom training with work experience in companies. This instrument, within the ITS Academy, plays a fundamental role because offers students the opportunity to acquire practical skills directly in the field, in a real work environment.

Apprenticeships at these institutions fall under the type of advanced training and research apprenticeship contract. The training course is therefore not limited to theory, but integrates moments of practical learning directly in the company. The contract is concluded between the company and the student, with the cooperation and support of the ITS, and usually lasts for the entire period of the course, i.e. two or three years.

For students, it can represent aunique opportunity to put the knowledge acquired in the classroom into practice and develop specific technical skills. The advantages for students are many including:

  • Practical training: Students can directly apply theoretical skills in real work contexts, learning in the field;
  • Remuneration: Apprentices receive remuneration for their work in the company, which is an economic incentive during their training;
  • Work experience: At the end of the course, students have significant professional experience, which greatly increases their chances of finding a job once they have completed the ITS Academy;
  • Possibility of employment: In many cases, the company where the student has done the apprenticeship offers a work contract at the end of the training, making job placement quicker and more straightforward.

Also for the companiesapprenticeship in ITS Academy represents an advantageous opportunity. Indeed, companies can train talented young people according to their specific needs, reducing post-employment training costs and increasing the possibility of having ready and qualified resources at the end of the course. Moreover, this allows companies to access social security and tax relief, reducing the costs of hiring staff.

The apprenticeship contract in ITS Academy can be activated from the beginning of the training coursegenerally after completing the first year of studies. It is the ITS itself that coordinates and facilitates the match between students and companies, defining the most appropriate moments to include apprenticeships within the curriculum.

Since ITS Academies have a strong link to the entrepreneurial fabric of the region, the institutes actively cooperate with numerous companieshelping students find apprenticeship opportunities that are in line with their education. ITS often organises networking events, internships and interviews with partner companies, thus facilitating the selection process. In this way, students can come into direct contact with the most relevant companies in their field of study.

Author of the article

ITS MOVE - Editor