by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interview: Alessia Rosolen, FVG Councilor for Labor, Education, Research, Universities, Training and Family; Luciano Sale, Director of Human Resources and Real Estate, Fincantieri
The Friuli Venezia Giulia regional government and Fincantieri signed a three-year agreement on Wednesday aimed at strengthening workforce development, research and innovation in the region’s shipbuilding industry.
The partnership focuses on addressing labor shortages through expanded technical training, stronger links between education and industry, and investments in emerging fields including digital shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, sustainability and underwater technologies.
As part of the agreement, a new two-year higher technical education program, Mechatronics & Robotics – Smart Ship, will begin in September in Monfalcone. Developed with the ITS Academy of Udine, the course will train highly qualified shipbuilding specialists in areas such as automation, robotics, predictive maintenance and cybersecurity.
The program will be based at Fincantieri’s new Learning Center in Monfalcone and will include apprenticeship opportunities beginning in the second year. Students may also receive regional scholarships and housing support.
Regional officials said the agreement builds on existing cooperation with Fincantieri, including the “Maestri del Mare” training initiative. A fourth edition of the paid program will also launch this year, with an additional 50 hires expected by the end of 2026 following regional funding.
