Higher Technical Institutes

The Higher Technical Institutes are Italy’s initial experiment of  vocational tertiary education provision in line with a system established and consolidated for some years, also in other European countries. The higher technical institutes  are top-class centres highly specialised in technology, in connection with the production industry. They were set up in 2010 to train skilled technicians in strategic areas for Italy’s economic development and competitiveness.

The educational provision of the higher technical institutes answers industry’s need for new high-level technical and technological skills to promote innovation processes. They are placed at Level 5 of the EQF (European Qualifications Framework) and give a technical level qualification, after a course lasting four semesters, linked to the 6 technological areas envisaged by Art. 7 of the Prime Minister’s Decree of 25 January 2008 (sustainable mobility, new technologies for life, new technologies for “Made in Italy” products, innovative technologies for cultural heritage and tourism, information and communication technologies, energy efficiency). The courses award credits recognized by universities in compliance with the legislation in force.

Since 2010, 95 higher technical centres have been set up. They include 2,153 partners, 826 of which are businesses, 429 active courses, 6.267 business engaged in traineeship programs.

Up to now, 429 courses have been launched, and 10,447 students are currently enrolled.

(data updated on April  2018 – source: National higher technical institutes Data bank).