Obiettivo lavoro

The project

The Fondazione Ing. Rodolfo Debenedetti, in collaboration with Bocconi University and the University of Geneva, is involved in the research project "Obiettivo Lavoro", aimed at facilitating the transition of vocational school students from education to the labour market.

The project includes several key activities:

1. A survey on school experience, orientation activities, future aspirations, and employment outcomes of vocational school graduates.
2. Job counseling sessions for final-year students, conducted by specialized and aimed at preparing students for the search for job opportunities in the post-diploma period
3. Training sessions for teachers, designed to support them in their role as career advisors for students.

The data collection activities are carried out by the Fondazione Ing. Rodolfo Debenedetti and Bocconi University, while the counseling and training sessions in schools are implemented by Adecco. Researchers involved in the project will conduct an impact evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the proposed interventions.

During the 2023/2024 academic year, the project was implemented in 74 vocational schools across Italy, thanks to funding from the UniCredit Foundation. The pilot phase, conducted in 2023 in a limited number of vocational schools in Lombardy, was funded by PNRR funds as part of the MUSA - Multilayered Urban Sustainability Action project.

The survey

The survey, conducted on a sample of 74 vocational schools across the country, involved final-year students through two data collection phases: the first between April and June 2024, and the second in December of the same year.

The first interview, carried out in the final months of the 2023/24 school year, targeted fifth-year students through an online questionnaire that was administered during school hours, thanks to the collaboration of participating schools. The survey explored several key aspects, including students’ experiences in ‘PCTO’ programs (Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation), orientation activities, post-graduation plans, any prior work experience, and their perceptions of their educational experience. Additionally, socio-demographic information was collected, along with students’ contact details for a follow-up interview. In total, approximately 4,000 questionnaires were completed, with a 96% participation rate.

The second interview, conducted six months after graduation, targeted students who had agreed to be contacted again. Administered either online or through a telephone interview with an operator, this phase focused on students' job search experiences, their current employment or educational status, and their assessment of the usefulness of career guidance activities received at school. Among those contacted, 25% responded to the second survey.

'Job couselling' for students

The job counseling program provided final-year students with a practical opportunity to prepare for their transition into the job market through a series of training sessions led by experienced job coaches. These professionals, specialized in staff recruitment and career guidance in schools, were provided by the Adecco employment agency.

The program consisted of four sessions, each lasting two school hours, covering key topics related to job searching and career development. Specifically, the sessions addressed:

• The importance of soft skills in the workplace
• Understanding different types of employment contracts
• Effective job search strategies
• How to write a CV and cover letter
• Managing digital reputation professionally
• Preparing for job interviews

The sessions included practical exercises, such as mock job interviews, job ad analysis, and interactive discussions with job coaches. This approach actively engaged students, allowing them to adapt the information to their own career interests and gain a better understanding of labor market dynamics.

The program was initially tested in selected pilot schools during the first months of the 2023/2024 school year.

Teacher training

A training program for teachers was implemented to equip them with practical tools to enhance career guidance activities for students preparing to graduate. The training sessions, organized online and tailored to each participating school, primarily involved final-year teachers and career guidance coordinators, though they were also open to other interested colleagues.

The program included three sessions of two hours each, focusing on key topics to support students in their transition from school to the workforce. Specific themes covered included:

• Guidelines for writing an effective CV
• How to highlight technical and soft skills in response to job advertisements
• How to prepare students for job interviews

The sessions were delivered by Adecco’s expert trainers and featured a hands-on, interactive approach. Through practical exercises, case study discussions, and best practice sharing, teachers were able to directly engage with the methods and materials provided, gaining valuable tools to implement in their classrooms. At the end of the program, teachers received examples of activities to use with students to strengthen their job search skills.

The training was initially piloted in selected schools, allowing for the collection of feedback to further refine the content and teaching approach.

Pilot activities

In 2023, the project activities were launched on a small scale, involving a selected group of vocational schools that were willing to be the first to test the proposed interventions. This pilot phase was a crucial step, allowing the project researchers and Adecco trainers to evaluate and refine both the content of the activities and their practical implementation.

The following schools participated in the initial pilot phase:

• Istituto "C. Calvi" in Voghera (PV)
• Istituto “G. Meroni” in Lissone (MB)
• Istituto “P. Sraffa” in Crema (CR)
• Istituto “L. Milani” in Meda (MB)

Following the pilot phase, the project was extended to include 74 professional institutes spread throughout the country. During the 2023/2024 school year, the sample survey was carried out in all the participating schools, while a subset of institutes also hosted career guidance activities for students and training for teachers.

We wish to thank the staff and students of all the participating schools for their valuable cooperation and willingness to help.