Technical institutes: tracks, subjects and career outcomes
Italian technical institutes split into two large sectors, economic and technological, for a total of about ten tracks. They offer a preparation that combines theory and labs, designed to enter work with marketable skills or to continue to university.
The two sectors of the technical institute
The economic sector revolves around business, finance and services. The technological sector revolves around technology, industry and environment.
Economic sector
- Administration, Finance & Marketing (AFM) — business economics, law, accounting. Outcomes: administrative office, banking, accounting, or economics at university.
- Tourism — languages, tourism geography, hospitality management. Outcomes: agencies, hotels, tour operators, events.
Technological sector
- IT & Telecommunications — programming, networks, systems. Outcomes: developer, IT technician, or computer engineering.
- Mechanics & Mechatronics — mechanical design, automation. Outcomes: industry, plant maintenance, robotics.
- Electronics & Electrical Engineering — circuits, automation, energy.
- Chemistry, Materials & Biotechnology — lab chemistry, biotech. Outcomes: labs, pharmaceutical, environmental.
- Transport & Logistics — vehicle operation, logistics.
- Graphics & Communication — design, print, multimedia.
- Agriculture & Agri-food — agricultural production, processing.
- Construction, Environment & Territory — the former surveyor track: building, surveying.
After the technical institute: work, ITS or university
A technical graduate has three paths: enter work straight away, enrol in an ITS Academy (a practical two-year course with high employment rates), or go to university. That flexibility is the real strength. To compare it with the other routes, see the guide to the differences and the career outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
Does the technical institute prepare you for university?
Yes. The technical diploma gives full university access, a solid base especially for technical-scientific faculties matching the track studied.
Which technical track is most in demand?
IT and the industrial technological tracks are among the most in demand in recent years. Demand, however, varies by area.