SKILLS4JUSTICE WP2 National Report – Italy

This national report, developed within the Horizon Europe project SKILLS4JUSTICE, examines the relationship between skills formation, labour market needs, and migration in Italy. Combining a literature review, statistical analysis, policy examination, and empirical evidence from key stakeholders, the report explores the dynamics of skills shortages, skills mismatch, vocational education and training (VET), higher education, and migrant labour integration. The findings highlight persistent structural challenges in the Italian labour market, including regional disparities, demographic ageing, shortages in technical and care-related occupations, and significant levels of overqualification and skill underutilisation. While migrant workers play an increasingly important role in addressing labour shortages, barriers related to qualification recognition, language acquisition, bureaucratic procedures, and labour market segmentation continue to hinder their full integration. The report analyses recent developments in education, training, and migration policies, including reforms of vocational pathways, apprenticeship schemes, lifelong learning initiatives, and labour migration governance. It also presents evidence from companies, educational institutions, social partners, and policymakers regarding current recruitment challenges and strategies for skills development. The study concludes that more coherent coordination between labour market, education, and migration policies is needed to promote fair and sustainable skills matching. Strengthening vocational education, improving recognition procedures, expanding training opportunities for migrants, and fostering international skills partnerships emerge as key priorities for enhancing social justice and labour market inclusion in Italy.