In recent years, the Higher Technical Institutes (ITS) have established themselves as one of the most effective training routes to enter the world of work quickly and with concrete skills. Thanks to their close connection with companies and a high number of workshop and apprenticeship hours, ITS courses offer technical and highly specialised training, with excellent employment opportunities represented by the added value of the ITS internshipan integral part of the route.

But how does one enrol in an ITS? ITS are mainly aimed at young people who possess the secondary school diploma. They are therefore accessible, subject to selection, immediately after high school graduation, but also by those who, after other experiences, decide to specialise in a technical-professional field.

Access is also open to people who, in possession of a professional diploma from four-year Vocational Education and Training (IeFP) courses, have participated in a one-year IFTS pathway for supplementary training. In addition, for some courses, basic technical or IT skills may be useful.

Why choose an ITS?

Enrolling in an ITS means focus on highly professionalised trainingwith the aim of entering the world of work already during their studies. I advantages main ones are:

  • Programmes built together with local companies;
  • Teachers more than 50% from the world of work;
  • Technological laboratories and up-to-date tools;
  • An important number of hours dedicated to the ITS internshipessential for gaining first-hand experience.

ITS courses generally last two years and conclude with the issuing of a Higher Technical Diplomanationally recognised and within the European Qualifications Framework (EQF, level 5).

The application procedure varies slightly from one ITS to another, but in general it consists of a few common phases. The first phase is indicative: find out about the available courses, learn about the technological areas covered (logistics, mechatronics, energy, ICT, etc.) and assess which pathway is most consistent with one's professional interests and goals. On the website of ITS Move AcademyFor example, detailed fact sheets for each course can be consulted.

Once the course has been chosen, the application for admissionusually online, by the deadlines published each year. The application must be accompanied by the required documents (diploma, identity document, any language or IT certifications). Admission is through a selection process that may include:

  • Written tests (logic, language skills, computer skills, etc.);
  • Motivational interviews;
  • Possible practical tests.

The aim is not only to assess knowledge, but also motivation and aptitude for working in dynamic and collaborative contexts. Those who pass the selection can proceed with the final enrolment and start the training course, which consists of classroom lessons, practical activities and the ITS internshipa fundamental part of the experience.

One of the most appreciated features of ITS pathways, in fact, is the curricular internship at companies in the sector. This period, which can last several hundred hours, allows students to apply the skills they have acquired in real-life contexts, gain first-hand knowledge of how companies work, make themselves known to potential employers and develop key soft skills, such as teamwork, communication and adaptability.

In many cases, the internship turns into a concrete employment opportunity: many companies choose to employ students already trained during the apprenticeship. Enrolling in an ITS is therefore a strategic choice for those who want to build a solid technical career in step with the needs of companies. The procedure is simple, but requires attention to the requirements and timing of the application. The added value of these courses lies in the practical training, the strong connection with the world of work and the concrete possibility of starting a professional experience immediately.

Author of the article

ITS MOVE - Editor