On 22 August 2024, the new Reform of Higher Technical Institutes (ITS) was published in the Official Gazette, which marks a significant turning point in post-diploma education in Italy. With the introduction of the Tertiary System of Higher Technological Education, this law redefines the organization, the training offer and the name of ITS, now known as “ITS Academy”. The changes will take effect from the 2024-2025 school year.
In this guide, we explore in detail the main changes and changes introduced by the reform
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Main news of the ITS Reform 2024-2025
The ITS reform introduces a series of significant changes, which will profoundly transform the training offer and the structure of Higher Technical Institutes in Italy. Here are the main points:
1. Access to ITS
The new ITS courses will be open to young people and adults with a secondary school diploma or a four-year diploma in vocational education and training, with at least 800 hours of higher technical specialization.
2. ITS Academy: The New Denomination
The Higher Technical Institutes will be renamed “ITS Academy” and will form an integral part of the Tertiary System of Higher Technological Education. This change aims to strengthen the link between institutions, territories and local productive fabrics.
3. Introduction of Four-Year Itineraries
Starting from the 2024-2025 school year, four-year training courses will be activated, thus shortening the cycle of studies by one year compared to the past.
4. Objectives of the ITS Academy
The ITS Academies will be called upon to strengthen the training of higher technicians with advanced technological skills, supporting the economic development and competitiveness of the national production system, in line with the guidelines of the PNRR.
5. Specialized Training Offer
The ITS Academy training offer will focus on strategic areas such as digital security, ecological transition and infrastructure for sustainable mobility, adapting to the specific needs of the territories.
6. Organization of Qualifications
The training courses will be divided into two levels, corresponding to the 5th and 6th levels of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), with two-year and three-year durations respectively.
7. Access to the World of Work
Students who complete the ITS courses will obtain specialization diplomas valid throughout the country, useful for access to public competitions and for technical-practical teaching.
8. Increase in Internship Hours
60% of the number of training hours will be carried out by teachers from the world of work, while at least 35% of the total hours will be dedicated to internships and company internships, even abroad.
9. Requirements to Start an ITS Academy
The opening of an ITS Academy will require the participation of secondary schools, accredited training facilities, businesses and higher education institutions.
10. Founding Subjects of the ITS Academy
The founders must demonstrate experience in innovation and in participating in training and research projects, contributing to the foundation’s fund.
11. Rules for Recruiting Teachers
50% of the teachers must come from the world of work, with at least three years of experience in related technological sectors.
12. Incentives for ITS
There is a tax credit for donations to ITS Academies, with varying percentages depending on the local unemployment rate.
13. Fund and Financial Resources
A dedicated fund at the Ministry of Education will finance ITS Academies, with an annual budget of about 48 million euros.
14. Coordination Networks
Coordination networks will be established to encourage the sharing of resources between ITS Academies and promote collaboration between institutions from different regions.
15. ITS Academy National Committee
The ITS Academy National Committee will have the task of directing the training and development activities of ITS, offering periodic updates on the professional figures required by the labor market.
The ITS reform represents a significant step towards the modernization of higher technical education in Italy. With the introduction of ITS Academies and the expansion of training courses, the reform aims to train highly specialized technicians, responding to the needs of the labor market and supporting the country’s economic growth. The new rules will take effect as of September 6, 2024, ready to shape the future of professional training in Italy
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