Lalternanza

L'alternanza, commonly known as l'alternanza scuola-lavoro, is an Italian education policy that integrates classroom study with work-based learning for students in upper secondary schools. The aim is to connect education with the labor market, foster practical skills, improve career guidance, and promote a smoother transition from school to work.

Legislation on l'alternanza was introduced in 2015 with Law 107/2015, La buona scuola, and was implemented across licei, technical institutes, and vocational institutes in the following years. The model combines curricular hours with periods of in-company training, internships, or projects carried out in cooperation with companies, public administrations, or non-profit organizations. The experience is supervised by both the school and the hosting organization, and culminates in a project or set of tasks that are assessed and credited toward the final diploma. In 2019-2020 the framework was revised and renamed to Percorsi per le Competenze Trasversali e per l'Orientamento (PCTO), with greater emphasis on transversal skills and orientation, and with simplified administrative procedures.

Implementation varies by region, school, and partner organization, with hours and duration defined by regulations and local agreements. While supporters argue that l'alternanza strengthens employability and helps students discover career paths, critics point to uneven quality of placements, administrative complexity, and concerns about work exploitation. Ongoing reforms aim to ensure high-quality experiences and clearer assessment of learning outcomes.