The dual system is a model of professional training that combines theory and work practice, aimed at promoting youth employability. Born in Germany and spread in various Northern European countries, this model sees training institutions and employers collaborating for the training and employment of young people
.
In June 2024, INPS signed a new draft framework agreement to regulate school-work alternation paths focused on the dual system.
In this guide, we explain what the dual system is, its objectives, how it works, its tools, who it is aimed at, who can apply it, the advantages and the resources available.
Table of Contents:
What is the dual system
The dual system is a professional training model that alternates training moments in the classroom with moments of practical training in work settings. This allows young people to gain work experience and professional skills during their education and training.
In Italy, the dual system was introduced by labor market and school reforms in 2014 and 2015. Subsequently, it was governed by an Agreement of the State-Regions Conference of September 25, 2015. In the first two years of experimentation, about 60,000 young people were involved
.
Objectives of the dual system
The objective of the dual system is to promote the employability of young people between 15 and 25 years old, encouraging the encounter between demand and supply of work. This mode of learning aims to make education and training systems more synergistic with the labor market in the following
ways:
- improving quality with processes of recognition of skills and the adaptation of curricula
- encouraging the transition of young people from the education system to the world of work with a view to reducing youth unemployment
How does the dual system work
The dual system is a learning mode based on the alternation of:
- training moments in the classroom at a training institution
- moments of practical training in work settings at a company or organization
To regularize them, also taking into account the relevant 2024 legislation, INPS has decided to adopt a new framework agreement scheme to regulate school-work alternation paths. The agreements that will be signed will identify the place of work where the student can train, outlining the objectives in line with the educational, cultural and professional profile of the field of study. Students will be insured against all injuries and INPS will guarantee information and specific training on business risks
.
The tools of the dual system
There are three tools to implement this learning model:
- Reinforced alternation: teaching methodology envisaged as part of the second cycle of education, made mandatory in every training institution and type of path with periods of practical application not less than 400 hours per year.
- Simulated training enterprise: methods of carrying out the alternation, implemented through the creation of a virtual company, animated by the students of a class, which carries out a market activity and refers to a real company. This training method also provides for periods of practical application not less than 400 hours per year.
- First-level apprenticeship: allows the achievement of a qualification and the acquisition of direct professional experience.
Who is it for
The dual system is aimed at:
- public school teachers
- companies
- staff of training institutions
Who can apply it
The dual system can be applied in all training situations where there is a dual tutor who takes care of the school-work alternation and the apprenticeship. Both on behalf of public entities (schools) and on behalf of private entities (training institutions), in professional training courses (IEFP, IFTS, ITS
).
The advantages of the dual system
Private employers in all productive economic sectors that activate dual paths have advantages of a different nature:
- contribution and tax relief
- pay relief
- economic incentives
The advantages and incentives are activated at the regional level with specific calls.
