There is much discussion in Italy about the school-to-work alternation programme.
Especially after the tragic accidents that saw the death of three young people while they were in the factory, on the days dedicated to the programme's work path.
Minister Giuseppe Valditara recently announced the new protective measures for students involved in the transversal skills and guidance pathways (Pcto).
Before going into detail about the new protections and guarantees provided for, in the new Alternanza Scuola-Lavoro programme, for the next school year 2023/2024, let us try to explain what it is and how this pathway works.
It is supposed to be of great importance for the introduction of young people into the world of work.
What is School-to-work alternation
School-to-work alternation is a learning method that involves alternating periods of study in schools with periods of practical training in companies or external institutions.
This approach aims to provide students with a more concrete and direct knowledge of the world of work, integrating theory with practical experience in the field.
In Italy, school-to-work alternance is regulated by Law No. 107 of 2015, known as “Buona Scuola”, and the related Ministerial Decree No. 77 of 2017.
These regulations set out the guidelines for the implementation of alternance school-to-work and include certain provisions to protect the young people involved.
Let us explain what the guidelines are for the implementation of the programme:
Programme agreement: before the start of the work placement, the school, the host company and the student (or his/her parents/legal guardian) must draw up a programme agreement. This agreement defines the objectives, arrangements and responsibilities of the parties involvedTutoring: the host company must designate a tutor who is responsible for monitoring, guiding and evaluating the student's experience during the work placement period. The mentor is responsible for ensuring a safe working environment and for providing appropriate training and learning assistance.Duration and timetable: school-work alternance has a set duration which may vary depending on the course of study. Working hours must comply with child labour laws, ensuring that students do not exceed the time limits and that they have time for rest and study.Safety and health: the host company must take the necessary measures to ensure the safety and health of students during the work placement. Information must be provided on safety regulations specific to the workplace and any risks present, and insurance cover must be provided for accidents at work.Monitoring and evaluation: The school is responsible for monitoring the students' work-study experience and evaluating its progress. This includes checking compliance with the agreed objectives, the quality of the work experience and student satisfaction.It is clear that there were already guidelines in the previous programme to ensure the safety of young people during their working hours in companies.
So what will be the new proposals that will lead to greater assurance and prevent the recurrence of tragic accidents?
New pathways for transversal skills and orientation (Pcto): what the decree says
The most urgent actions are contained in the Decree-Law establishing measures for social inclusion, which, as we have said, will come into force as early as the next school year 2023/2024.
Enterprises involved in the new paths of the Alternanza Scuola-Lavoro programme will have to supplement their risk assessment document with a specific section indicating prevention measures and protective equipment for young people.
Moreover, the PCTO must be consistent with the three-year plan of the educational offer (PTOF) of the institutes and in line with the teaching activity.
There will be a new professional figure: the design coordinator teacher who will be directly responsible for the students' job placement in companies, particularly in vocational companies.
In addition, the school-work alternation register at the chambers of commerce, industry, handicrafts and agriculture will be strengthened.
These requirements include:
structural, technological and organisational capacities of the enterprise;experience gained in the pathways;possible participation in organisational links with trade associations, networks of schools, local authorities already involved in the CTPs.Finally, a system of constant monitoring of the quality of the courses is envisaged and training in safety in the workplace will be introduced as part of the teaching of civic education.
Conclusion
The School-to-work alternation route can be a valid and important project for the training of young people.
The programme can only work and be implemented when there is an effective guarantee that the health and safety of these young people is protected.
Companies entering the programme must guarantee maximum safety and present a valid and coherent plan of action for the students' training.
It is necessary to pay this attention also to other situations involving university students or recent graduates.
They should have the right job opportunities to develop the right skills using the knowledge acquired during their university years.
Workers, students, recent graduates have the right to work in an environment that protects the safety of all.