Italy: publication of the 21st report on continuing vocational training (CVET)

The publication – edited by the National Institute for Public Policy Analysis (INAPP) and the National Agency for Active Employment Policies (ANPAL), on behalf of the labour ministry – analyses the policies that support training for workers and are financed by public resources.

The report is divided into three parts:

• the first part compares the evolution of the national context with the European one;
• the second part presents the monitoring of CVET policies;
• the third proposes some reflections on the Italian adult learning system, starting with a detailed presentation of the tools and strategic and operational guidelines implemented.

Adult learning

The report confirms very limited growth in adult learning, partly due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participation in adult education is still very much influenced by individual socio-demographic characteristics and by factors such as age, education, employment and professional conditions. Generational gaps are growing, while learning opportunities are more widespread among young people, the most educated and those employed in skilled professions, compared to those with a low level of education, over 45 years of age and in a low-skilled job.

Digital learning/technologies

Regarding digital skills, the efforts to encourage their acquisition are deemed insufficient, and the relevant re- and upskilling training initiatives seem to be limited not only by a lack of funds and  regulatory constraints, but also by insufficient perception of the strategic urgency of their acquisition. Just over a fifth of Italian companies consider the development of digital skills as a competitiveness element, with only 17% of companies investing in their development. However, there is growing attention to innovation processes, starting with the theme of digitalisation, the green and blue economy and social innovation. The 4.0 training tax credit represents an important initiative in this regard.

Reviews and proposals

The report reveals a growing diffusion of training proposals based on the promotion of paths leading to the certification of workers' skills. Following the pandemic, a significant part of certification activities was carried out online through virtual classrooms. The report also reviews initiatives promoted to combat the crisis, at both European (i.e. initiatives envisaged under React EU) and national levels, (e.g. the New Skills Fund).

Finally, the report investigates:

• the effects of ageing and the demographic evolution on the qualification levels of employees, including an inter-generational comparison;
• the European and international priorities in public servants’ training;  
• the training provision for sustainable development together with the definition of eco-innovative occupational profiles (from the perspective of the circular economy and sustainable tourism).

Read more at

XX-XXI Report on continuing vocational training

Presentation of the report to the Italian Parliament