The Training Island: An Effective Approach to Inclusion in Italy
The first “Academia” exchange, organised by the Euroguidance Italy Centre and held in Varese from May 25 to 28, offered six career guidance professionals from five countries the opportunity to learn about various local initiatives related to career guidance. Among these, “Training Island” - an Italian model for helping young people with disabilities enter the job market - attracted particular interest.
In this article we share this initiative with you.
An Innovative Approach to Work-Based Learning.
Training island is an Italian model for the labour market inclusion of young people with disabilities. The initiative was originally developed in the 1980s, following the abolition in Italy of differential classes for students with disabilities, a change that made it difficult to identify appropriate educational pathways for these young people. At that time, upper secondary education (ages 14 to 18) was not yet adequately prepared to accommodate students with special educational needs. Faced with this situation, families sought an educational setting better suited to the needs of their children as they completed compulsory schooling and turned to local social services in search of an alternative learning environment outside the mainstream school system.
The partnership between local services made it possible to create a work-based learning environment within companies, known as the Training Island. This specially designed department offered a protected and tailored setting for participants with disabilities while ensuring their active involvement in real workplace activities. Rather than engaging in purely theoretical or simulated tasks, trainees took part in production-related work, allowing them to develop practical skills in an authentic professional context and learn to work independently.
Each participant followed an Individual Training Plan (ITP), developed through a mandatory collaborative process involving the company, social services, workplace tutors, and accredited vocational training providers. The plan defined the learning objectives, activities, and expected outcomes, ensuring that the training pathway was aligned with the individual's needs, abilities, and potential.
A Successful Model Over Time
So far, 30 young people have been hired by the company. Throughout the years, the training agency has provided continuous post‑employment follow‑up, to ensure the long-term stability of job placements and prevent the risk of social isolation or early withdrawal from employment.
The positive employment outcomes achieved by the first Training Island encouraged the replication of the model. To date, around 20 Training Islands have been established across different sectors: the most recent one was established at Milan Malpensa Airport, and in recent years, this model has entered a new phase of development. Between 2022 and 2025, 13 new Training Islands were launched, demonstrating how this experience is widely recognised as effective and transferable to different contexts.
More inclusive culture in the workplace
The model has also contributed to the development of an inclusive culture within companies. Through the Training Islands, companies comply with national employment obligations for disabled and, by actively involving employees as tutors, help to face cultural prejudices related to disability, fostering a more open and empathetic working environment.
The Varese Provincial Plan for People with Disabilities has fully included the Training Island model in its strategy. Through the 2024–2025 Master Plan, approved by the Lombardy Region, specific funding has been provided to support the development of these inclusive work-based learning environments, which are currently part of a structured regional strategy supporting both people with disabilities and employers.
Thanks to the Training Islands, 357 trainees have been able to experience the world of work in a real supportive and safeguarded environment.
Author: Giovanna de Mottoni, Euroguidance Centre Italy
