In recent years, the ITS Academy have assumed an increasingly important role in the Italian educational landscape. A valid alternative to universities, these institutions offer targeted post-diploma training courses, structured to bridge the gap between the skills required by companies and those learned in schools by young people.
A distinctive aspect of the ITS Academy training model is the dual trainingwhich represents a real bridge between theory and practice. When we talk about dual training we refer to a educational approach which combines theoretical classroom teaching with practical experience in the field, often in the form of internships or apprenticeships in companies. This methodology, which is widespread in countries such as Germany, is also finding increasing space in Italy, particularly thanks to the ITS Academy.
The objective of dual training is to train highly qualified and job-ready professionals. Students acquire practical skills directly in partner companies, experiencing the real working environment, and complement this experience with a solid theoretical basis acquired in the classroom. This approach guarantees preparation not only academically, but also professionally.
How does dual training work in ITS Academies?
L'ITS Move Academyfor example, offers highly specialised vocational courses in strategic sectors such as technology, mechanics, energy, automotive, ecommerce, import-export and ICT (Information and Communication Technology). The training courses are built in collaboration with leading companies in the area, ensuring an alignment between the curricula and the real needs of the labour market.
In the dual traininga significant part of the time (around 900 hours) is dedicated to learning in the field. During the apprenticeshipsstudents work side by side with industry professionals, putting into practice the knowledge they learn in the classroom. Direct work experience not only enables students to acquire specific technical skills, but also helps them to develop transversal competencessuch as the problem solvingthe teamwork and the ability to adaptationall fundamental qualities for working in a company.
One of the strengths of the ITS Academy system is its close link with companies. Companies are not only the recipients of ITS graduates, but also actively participate in the definition of the training courses. This guarantees a perfect match between the skills taught and those required by the labour market. The practical learning component is crucial. During their internships, students are involved in real projects, directly experiencing the dynamics of work.
In addition, the ITS Academy model offers flexible and customisable training paths. Students can choose their field of specialisation according to their inclinations and the needs of the local market, and the presence of qualified business mentors and trainers ensures continuous support throughout the course.
Once completed, the diploma from the ITS Academy is recognised nationally and internationally (level V of the European Qualifications Framework - EQF), guaranteeing students access not only to the Italian labour market, but also to job opportunities abroad. According to recent statistics, more than 80% of ITS graduates find a job within one year of the end of the courseoften at the same companies where they did their internship.
Today, ITS offers a concrete and viable alternative to university, and dual training is an innovative solution to meet the challenges of the labour market. Combining theory and practice, the training paths help students acquire highly specialised skills that are immediately spendable in the labour market. Companies, in fact, are looking for professionals to be included in their workforce, and having on-the-job training experience in one's CV can be a decisive competitive advantage.
Author of the article
ITS MOVE - Editor
