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HVET Domain
The ITS Academy – Chemistry and New Life Technologies in Italy offer post-diploma courses aimed at training higher technicians in strategic sectors essential for technological development. These programs are designed to bridge the gap between education and the labour market by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
Course structure:
- Duration: Two years courses.
- Integration: Close collaboration with companies, universities, research centres, and educational institutions.
- Focus: Developing new skills in key technological areas.
Program goals:
- Train highly skilled technicians who are ready to enter the job market.
- Equip students with advanced technical knowledge and practical skills.
Program skills in:
- Biotechnology, chemistry and pharmaceuticals, biomedical informatics, innovative materials, cosmetics, bio green, environmental sustainability, and digital health.
Collaborations:
- Strong partnerships with companies and research centres.
- Opportunities for internships to provide hands-on experience.
National support:
- The Ministry of Education and Merit provides oversight and support for the ITS Academy. ITS Academy (istruzione.gov.it)
Employment
Chemistry and New Life Technologies Employability Rate: Over 95% employability rate one year after graduation.
Specialization Areas: Chemistry and New Life Technologies.
Study paths in:
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry and Pharmaceuticals
- Biomedical Informatics
- Innovative Materials
- Cosmetics
- Bio green & Environmental Sustainability
- Digital Health
Job Opportunities:
Roles:
- Technical and Laboratory
- Management and Optimization
- Healthcare and Biomedical
- Commercial and Customer Service
- Environmental and Sustainability
- Production and Quality
- Information and Systems
- Research and Development
Sectorial Job Profiles is divided into Two Main Areas:
Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology
Focus: Molecule development, product formulation, project management, quality standards, eco-sustainability.
Roles:
- Higher Technician for Industrial Biotechnological Production: Develops and produces biofuels, biopharmaceuticals, and agricultural products. Focuses on optimizing processes and ensuring quality.
- Higher Technician for Industrial Chemical Production: Manages chemical production from raw materials to final products, emphasizing efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
- Higher Technician for the Environmental Sustainability: Promotes sustainable industrial processes and environmental protection, focusing on circular economy practices.
- Higher Technician for Innovative Materials: Develops and tests polymer materials for automotive, aerospace, and healthcare industries, focusing on material properties and sustainability.
- Higher Technician for Cosmetic Production 4.0: Trains in cosmetic analysis, formulation, legislation, and marketing. Prepares for product development and regulatory compliance.
- Higher Technician for Bio green Production and Technological Innovation: Focuses on biotech and food production processes with Industry 4.0 innovations like robotics and automation.
- Higher Technician for Chemistry, Industry 4.0 and Environmental Sustainability: Specializes in polymer materials and new technologies with a focus on environmental sustainability.
Production of Appliances, Diagnostic, and Biomedical Devices
Focus: Biomedical device research, design, production, quality assurance, product certification, technical support.
Roles:
- Higher Technician for Pharmaceutical Plants and Production: Designs and manages pharmaceutical plants, ensuring safe and effective production processes.
- Higher Technician for Biomedical Information Technology 4.0: Develops and maintains medical software and systems, managing biomedical equipment and devices.
- Higher Technician in Technology and Digital Health: Manages biomedical technologies in hospitals using IoT, AI, and robotics to improve healthcare efficiency and create Smart Hospitals.
Sectorial Unmet Job Demand and Vacancies
- High Demand Regions: Northwest (37%), Northeast (23%), Center (21%), South and Islands (19%).
- Top Regions: Lombardy (13,700 requests), Lazio (6,200), Veneto (5,300).
- High Demand Sectors: Mechanics, Architecture, Communication Infrastructure, Software Development, Industry and Business Services.
- Recruitment Difficulties: Electronics, IT, Mechanics, New Life Technologies (54% difficulty), Polymeric Field (highest gap), Textiles, Public Utilities, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Biomedical Equipment Manufacturing (75% difficulty).
Involved Companies
- Partners: DOC, E.C.B., S.I.A.D. S.p.A., Thermofisher S.p.A., Cordenpharma S.p.A., and more.
- Network: 102 shareholders and 305 companies involved in teaching, internships, and post-diploma employment.
National Support: Ministry of Education and Merit. ITS Academy (istruzione.gov.it)
Learning
Structure of Sectorial HVET Programs
ITS Academy Overview: ITS Academy offers post-diploma tertiary education designed to provide technical and technological skills in strategic sectors for the Italian economy.
1. Duration and Training Credits:
- Program Length: Two years (2000 hours).
- Diploma: Technical High School diploma, nationally and EU recognized (EQF level 5).
2. Course Components:
- Theoretical Lectures: 60% theoretical.
- Training Internships: Approximately 30-40%, at least 800 hours in industry.
- Projects and Internships: Group and individual, including abroad.
3. Teaching Modes:
- Face-to-Face and Online Lectures
- Laboratories and Workshops
- Company Visits and Meetings with Industry Experts
Sectorial Level of Specific Programs / Qualifications
ITS Academy Pathways:
2000-hour ITS Pathway:
- Duration: 2000 hours.
- Qualification: Higher technical diploma (EQF Level 5).
- Components: 1200 hours of classroom instruction and 800 hours of internships.
Further Studies:
- Direct Enrolment at the University: Graduates can enrol in the third year of a bachelor’s degree program.
- Credits Earned: from 120 ECTS credits during ITS studies.
How to have access
Steps:
- Identify programs matching your career interests
- Ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria
- Get application forms from the ITS Academy website or institution and prepare necessary documents (diploma, CV, ID)
- Prepare for entrance exams or interviews
- Wait for the admission decision and follow the instructions in the acceptance letter or e-mail.
Opportunities for further education and training
Bachelor’s Degree:
- Enrol directly in the third year with 120 ECTS credits earned during ITS studies.
Specialized Certifications:
- Fields: Energy efficiency, ICT, biotechnology.
Benefits:
- Continuous professional development.
- Enhanced career prospects.
Forward Looking
Sectorial Occupational Perspectives
Positive Employment Prospects:
High Demand:
- Professionals trained by ITS Academies are in high demand.
- Preparation meets needs of evolving sectors.
Key Roles:
-Laboratory Technician:
- Conducts experiments, prepares samples, uses lab equipment.
- Skills: Biology, chemistry, precision.
–Research Assistant:
- Data collection and analysis, lab maintenance.
- Growth opportunities.
–Quality Control Technician:
- Ensures product safety standards, performs tests, documents results.
- Potential to advance to supervisory roles.
–Production Technician:
- Manages manufacturing operations, monitors processes.
- Career advancement to management positions.
–Process Manager:
- Oversee and optimize production processes.
- Become a production manager or operations manager.
–Validation Specialist:
- Ensure processes and equipment meet quality standards.
- Advance to department head or quality manager.
–Marketing and Commercialization Specialist:
- Develop strategies to promote products.
- Become a marketing director or sales manager.
Sectorial job profiles and skill needs
Digital evolution and sustainability are changing the manufacturing industry. This has a major impact on industrial companies.
Competitiveness and Consumer Demands
- Integration of advanced digital skills and adoption of sustainable policies are key to maintaining competitiveness. For this reason, they are essential for meeting growing consumer demand
Biotechnology Sector
- Digital skills needed for genomic data analysis, molecular modelling, and process optimization.
- Advanced software and machine learning improve drug development and reduce costs.
- Improves product quality and efficacy.
- Optimizes manufacturing processes, reducing time and costs.
Rubber Industry Challenges and Solutions
Despite digital innovations, the rubber industry faces a serious shortage of skilled labour.
- Digital technologies, such as automation and IoT sensors, improve efficiency and reduce waste.
- Integrating digitization into production reduces time, minimizes waste, and improves product quality.
- Specialized personnel are needed to operate and maintain these technologies to fully benefit from them.
Importance of Sustainability Policies
Sustainability policies are equally crucial:
- Adopting renewable energy, recycling processes, and sustainable materials reduces environmental impact and addresses consumer concerns.
- Improves operational efficiency and enhances corporate reputation.
- Attracts a more conscious and motivated workforce.
Future of Biotech and Rubber Industries
Integration of advanced digital skills and adoption of green skills are crucial. Investing in these areas improves operational efficiency and meets sustainability needs.
The rubber industry faces a shortage of skilled labour for advanced technologies. Training skilled personnel is essential for long-term competitiveness and sustainability.
Country Guidance program
The mixed orientation programme was created to help high school students and graduates explore different disciplines and prepare for future educational and professional opportunities. The programme includes five main activities:
- Open Lab & Workshop: Practical lab sessions.
- Biomedical Workshop: Practical demonstrations of biomedical equipment.
- Open Talk: Individual and group counselling sessions to identify suitable postgraduate opportunities.
- Open Day: Information sessions on professional opportunities, costs, and services offered by ITS New Technologies of Life Academy.
- PCTO (Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation): Classroom training, workshops, and company visits to fulfil ministerial requirements for PCTO hours.
Tools
Open Lab:
- Promotional flyers
- Activity presentations by lab technicians
- Interview schedules for reservations
Biomedical Workshop:
- Informational flyers
- Industry presentations by biomedical technicians
- Interview schedules for reservations
Open Talk:
- Application forms for selection
- Open Day enrolment forms
- Website pages with detailed information
Open Day:
- Paper curricula
- Presentations by ITS New Technologies of Life Academy
- Introductory videos
PCTO (Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation):
- Promotional flyers
- Detailed activity presentations by lab technicians
Guidance Individual Actions
Promote Participation:
- Encourage students to review flyers and attend activities (Open Lab, Biomedical Workshop, Open Talk, Open Day, PCTO).
Facilitate Reservations:
- Assist students in booking sessions for Open Lab and Biomedical Workshop.
- Help with applications for Open Talk and Open Day.
Conduct Sessions:
- Lead individual and group counselling.
- Guide students on postgraduate opportunities.
Distribute Materials:
- Ensure students receive and review flyers, curricula, and videos.
- Provide relevant website resources.
Coordinate Activities:
- Work with lab and biomedical technicians to align activities with student interests.
- Assist faculty and entrepreneurs in delivering presentations.
- Organize PCTO activities (training, workshops, company visits).
Track Progress:
- Record student participation and ensure they meet PCTO requirements.
Maintain Communication:
- Communicate with students, teachers, and staff.
- Collect and act on feedback to improve the program.
Provide Guidance:
- Offer personalized advice based on student interests and career goals.