Project Smile presented at the Milan Polytechnic.
According to the ISTAT Report on Education Levels and Employment, in Italy, those who most need training are those who receive the least. The percentage of unemployed individuals in training is half the European Average (6.9% vs. 14.1%). In the 25-64 age group, 35.7% participate in training activities, nearly 11 points below the European average. And learning activities are practically inexistant after age 35. Only 1.3% attends formal courses that provide certification [ISTAT∑, Formazione degli adulti, 2024].
Updating digital skills as required by the job market is fundamental to find the right job. Yesterday, Project SMILE (SMart Innovative Learning for Employment) was presented at the Milan Polytechnic’s EduCafé. SMILE, which aims to improve work orientation, is promoted by the Milan Polytechnic, Fondazione Mondo Digitale ETS, IFOA, and Cisco Systems to help unemployed individuals aged 34-50 to enjoy flexible training and improve their professional profile. Project Smile is supported by the Fondo per la Repubblica Digitale - Impresa sociale, is to promote work reintegration for unemployed individuals aged 34-50 in Emilia Romagna, Lazio, Piedmont, Lombardy, and Tuscany.
In greater detail, SMILE employs a new model to develop “learning to learn” skills. Besides a self-evaluation of training needs, the project provides content and open educational resources (OER) on-line. The Smart Learning Design™ Methodology developed by the Milan Polytechnic, which allows for multiple training options, allows participants to join a “Smart Learning” Community and enjoy tutors and experts for individual learning. Work orientation and support activities account for six hours of training during which candidates will acquire tools to seek a new position and review their skills with tutors. This is a holistic approach that blends the best pedagogical practices with the potential of technology and data to create custom-tailored and efficient learning experiences.
Moreover, Smart Track courses provide modular and flexible on-line training in three areas for 40 hours each: life skills (stress management, empathy, critical thinking), basic digital skills (Microsoft365 to generative AI), and specific professional digital skills. The final phase is different for each profile and includes a choice of courses ranging from customer service to large distribution and retail, graphic designers, and social media marketer.
Project SMILE has been selected and supported by the Digital Republic Fund – Social Enterprise, created through a partnership between public and private social operators (government and banking associations). For 2022-26, the fund has allocated ca. €350 million provided by banking institutions. The objective is to increase digital skills and drive the digital transition in Italy. In order to implement the Fund’s programmes – as part of the PNRR – National Plan for Resilience and Recovery and the FNC (National Complementary Fund) – in May 2022, the Digital Republic Fund – Social Enterprise was created as a non-profit organisation, entirely funded by ACRI. For further information:
www.fondorepubblicadigitale.it.
