Its Apulia Digital trains talents in 3D animation and artificial intelligence

Since 2015, it has been churning out 'super experts' in software and apps, 3D graphics and animation, machine learning, cybersecurity, game developers, artificial intelligence, and digital video design. It is the Its Academy Apulia Digital, with branches in all the provinces of Apulia (Bari, Foggia, Lecce, Brindisi, Taranto and BAT), and represents training excellence.

Founded on the input of a group of local companies in search of new ICT talents to accelerate the processes of technological innovation, the Its Academy Apulia Digital is now a reality that, since the start of its activities, has 75 courses under its belt and currently has about a thousand students, who have chosen these training courses focused on the use and development of technological and digital innovation solutions and systems. The employment rate one year after graduation is close to 87%. More than 70% of the teaching staff come from the world of work.

"Our courses," emphasised Euclide Della Vista, president of the Its Academy Apulia Digital, "are short-cycle, less than 16 months in the two-year course, and are extremely attuned to the constant evolution of the ICT sector, which is changing very rapidly. The courses, in fact, are based on practical and laboratory-based teaching that immediately transforms the knowledge acquired into professional skills thanks to the 'on-the-job' experience, ideal for those who wish to enter the world of work immediately. This makes them the perfect choice for those who prefer to learn in a more dynamic and personalised way, because there is a lot of focus on developing individual talents and inclinations'.

The investment of PNRR resources, which recognised the strategic role of the Higher Technological Education system for the development, digitalisation, and competitiveness of the country's productive fabric, has made it possible to enhance the educational offer and build advanced technological laboratories. "Our Foundation, for example," Della Vista added, "has invested around EUR 8 million in the Apulia Digital Lab, a laboratory complex with cutting-edge technologies in Bari. Apulia Digital Lab, in addition to spaces dedicated to professional training and ICT research, also has an advanced computing infrastructure for Artificial Intelligence (with an innovative GreenAI data centre), a SOC (Security Operations Centre) for cybersecurity, a Virtual Studio Production equipped with professional hi-tech equipment for special effects and latest-generation audiovisual productions, and a large auditorium. A technological centre that integrates itself into the Campus 5.0 being set up, a settlement located in the Bari fairgrounds, launched by the Polo delle Arti e della Cultura della Regione Puglia (Pact), which aims to innovate the governance processes of the territory, thanks to the cooperation between the numerous realities of excellence ready to create new professional opportunities together'.