Non-academic Tertiary Education. An In-depth Pedagogical Study of Higher Technological Institutes

Abstract

This article aims to explore, from a pedagogical perspective, the non-academic tertiary education system in Italy, with a particular focus on the educational pathways provided by the Higher Technical Institutes (ITS Academy). After a brief overview of the regulatory framework governing the creation and evolution of ITS, the study focuses on analyzing three specific cases located in Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto, operating respectively in the fields of tourism, sustainable logistics, and mechatronics. Through semi-structured interviews conducted with former students, professional teachers, and company tutors, the strengths and challenges of the ITS model are examined, especially regarding the crucial role of internships.