OECD - Adult Learning in Italy

Action on the adult learning front is needed urgently in Italy. As a result of the introduction of new technologies, 15.2% of jobs have a high risk of automation, and a further 35.5% may experience significant changes to how they are performed. Italy also has an old and ageing population. Today there are 3.5 older persons (65+) for every ten working age adults (15-64) the highest rate in the OECD after Japan. Finally, around 38% of Italian adults have low levels of literacy and/or numeracy proficiency, well above the OECD average of 26.3%.

To cope with technological change, longer working lives and the increased skill demands of a knowledge-based economy, many adults will need training to keep skills up to date. However, the Italian adult learning system seems to be ill prepared to face these challenges. Today, only two in ten adults participate in job-related training, about half the OECD average. Moreover, only 60.2% of firms (with at least 10 employees) provide training to their workers, lower than the OECD European average of 76%.

Training Funds represent one important tool through which Italy could face the pressures brought about by the mega-trends, and equip adults and workers with the skills needed to thrive in the labour market and society. Instituted in the early 2000s, today Training Funds cover almost 1 million firms and over 10 million workers, and manage more than EUR 600 million a year, representing one of the most important sources of financing for workers continuous learning in Italy.

Since their inception, Training Funds have encouraged many firms to train their workers, and have certainly contributed to improve access to training opportunities. However, there are challenges. SMEs still face substantial barriers in adhering to/using Training Funds, and many vulnerable groups such as the low-skilled, low-wage workers or older people are often excluded from the training opportunities offered.

Moreover, training is not always of good quality and aligned to the needs of the labour market. Indeed, Training Funds are often used to finance compulsory training, such as occupational health and safety, rather than focussing on developing the skills that could enhance the competitiveness of firms and the productivity of workers.