Vocational education and training systems in Italy and Lombardy. Between light and shadow

This chapter explores the Italian vocational education and training (VET) system at the secondary level, with a particular focus on the Lombardy region, to highlight both its strengths (‘light’) and challenges (‘shadow’). The VET system has long been the subject of attempts to strengthen its links with the world of work, increase the number of participating students, cope with early school leaving and educational poverty, and improve the quality of learning. Lombardy, one of the most industrially advanced regions in Italy, serves as a microcosm of the broader national trends. Through the course of our analysis, we consider the specific regional policies, institutional frameworks, and pedagogical approaches at play in the VET system. The paper ends with some recommendations for enhancing its efficiency and inclusivity, thereby ensuring that VET continues to meet the evolving needs of the workforce and the economy.