The Dual Education System Italy (DESI): Bridging Education and Industry
The Dual Education System Italy (DESI) represents a pioneering initiative that merges academic learning with hands-on industry experience. Launched as a pilot project in the 2014-15 school year, DESI comes from the collaboration between the Emilia Romagna Region, the Ministry of Education, and two iconic automotive companies: Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. and Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
Initially designed as a two-year training course, DESI targeted young adults not engaged in education, employment, or training (NEETs). The goal was to reintegrate these individuals into the educational system by providing a pathway to acquire both academic qualifications and practical skills. The program was hosted by two VET schools in Bologna, IIS Aldini Valeriani and IIS Belluzzi Fioravanti.
Participants alternated between classroom learning and on-the-job training at Ducati and Lamborghini’s training centers. This dual approach aimed to equip students with the technical and professional skills required by the industry, culminating in a five-year vocational education diploma.
Evolution and Expansion
Following the success of the initial project, subsequent editions of DESI were introduced, extending the program to fourth and fifth-year vocational students from 2016 to 2022. These editions continued to emphasize the dual structure of school-based and workplace-based training, ensuring that students graduated with both a diploma and valuable industry experience.
In September 2022, DESI entered its fifth edition (DESI V), made possible through renewed agreements with the Emilia Romagna Region, the Regional Education Office, Lamborghini, and Ducati. It further refined the program, offering two-year courses for students at Aldini Valeriani and Belluzzi Fioravanti, with a curriculum designed to prevent school dropout and enhance employability.
Objectives and Training Structure
The primary objective of DESI is to provide students with high-quality technical and professional skills while they work towards a five-year vocational diploma. The training program for the fourth and fifth-year students includes both curricular and extracurricular activities, with a significant portion of the training conducted at Ducati and Lamborghini’s facilities.
- During the Fourth-Year Training: a total of 600 hours, split across November, February, and May to July.
- During the Fifth-Year Training: a total of 400 hours, distributed between September, December, and March.
Additionally, students receive English language lessons from native speakers, offering them the opportunity to earn language proficiency certifications. The Emilia Romagna Region also provides allowances for the extra hours students spend beyond the usual school timetable, further incentivizing participation.
Selection, Evaluation, and Monitoring
Selection for DESI is based on students’ attendance records and grades, followed by interviews conducted by representatives from Ducati and Lamborghini. Once selected, students’ progress is closely monitored and evaluated by both school and company tutors. The evaluation process ensures that students meet the rigorous standards set by both educational and industrial partners.
DESI stands out as a visionary approach to vocational education, fostering a symbiotic relationship between schools and industry. By providing students with both academic credentials and practical experience, DESI prepares them for successful careers in the highly competitive automotive sector, ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals for the Motor Valley region.
For more information on the DESI project, check this website.
