Companies struggle to find one in two young people under 30

'The experience of the Its has undoubtedly been positive,' adds Prete. 'These provide post-diploma preparation based on the needs of companies: a model that guarantees an interesting placement'. But, Prete agrees, it is a mechanism that involves a limited number of young people. Thus there are still very few students, both men and women, who choose stem degrees. "Only one in four," emphasises the Unioncamere president, "and Italia is below the European average, especially if we look at female employment, which is also low compared to other countries.

Among the profiles reserved for young people and more difficult to find, the Excelsior system lists mathematicians, statisticians, data analysts, followed by system designers and administrators, and then craft mechanics and car maintenance workers. This is followed by real estate agents, industrial designers, offset printers. And finally, surprisingly, also tourist entertainers, hairdressers, beauticians and make-up artists. So, not only young people trained in the use of technology, but also traditional trades. As long as they are well trained.

"Companies that hire young people perform better: why continue to lose them?" asks Prete. A phenomenon that takes on alarming dimensions especially in the South: with intellectual emigration both to the Centre-North and abroad. 'The wage issue cannot be ignored,' Prete admits. 'Young people under 30 are of the Erasmus generation, used to considering Europe a common home. Well, if for the same job in Germany they can earn 75 per cent higher wages and they know they can get ahead more quickly, they don't think twice about packing their bags'.

The immediate answer is to encourage immigration, for Unioncamere. Prete judges positively the training experiences in the countries of origin launched under the Mattei Plan. An excellent solution, but for now just a few drops in the ocean.