The Tuscany Region, in partnership with accredited training institutions, presents a significant initiative for the requalification and enhancement of professional skills in the thermo-hydraulic sector. This is a free course aimed at obtaining certification of competencies related to “Installation of thermo-hydraulic and similar systems” (UC 2170) and “Preparation and organization of the process for creating thermo-hydraulic and similar systems” (UC 2172). This program, an integral part of the “GiovaniSì” project by the Tuscany Region for youth autonomy, is funded by the European Union within the framework of NextGenerationEU and the GOL (Guarantee of Employability of Workers) program.
Structure of the Training Path and Acquired Competencies
The course comprises a total of 242 hours, divided into 146 hours of classroom training and 96 hours of internships at companies in the sector. The primary objective is to provide participants with the methodologies and techniques necessary for the installation of thermo-hydraulic, sanitary, air conditioning, cooling, climate control, and refrigeration systems, in full compliance with current safety regulations. Competencies in planning work phases, including the preparation of operational spaces, tools, and machinery, will also be developed.
The training program includes specific didactic units, such as:
- Planning of implementation (28 hours)
- Work cycles (20 hours)
- Monitoring (20 hours)
- Elements of plant engineering (20 hours)
- Installation (20 hours)
- Mechanical ventilation (16 hours)
- DigComp (22 hours)
- Internship (96 hours)
Lessons will take place from Monday to Friday, within a time slot between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, for a maximum of 8 hours per day. For admission to the final exam, a mandatory attendance rate of 70% of the total hours is required, of which at least 50% must be internship hours. At the end of the program, a Certificate of Competencies for UC 2170 and UC 2172 will be issued.
Beneficiary Profiles and Access Requirements
The training program is designed for a number of students ranging from 8 to 11. Eligible beneficiary categories include:
- Beneficiaries of social safety nets in an active employment relationship, as defined by the 2022 Budget Law (Law n. 234/2021, art. 1, comma 200).
- Beneficiaries of social safety nets without an employment relationship, such as unemployed individuals receiving NASPI or DIS-COLL benefits.
- Beneficiaries of welfare support, including recipients of “Reddito di cittadinanza” (Citizenship Income).
- Fragile or vulnerable workers, including young NEETs (under 30 years old), disadvantaged women, people with disabilities, and mature workers (55 years and older).
- Unemployed individuals without income support, meaning those who have been unemployed for at least six months, other workers with fewer employment opportunities (young people and women, even if not in fragile conditions), and self-employed workers who cease activity or have very low incomes.
- Workers with very low incomes (the so-called working poor), whose income from employment or self-employment is below the incapacitation threshold according to tax regulations.
Minimum access requirements include having reached 16 years of age with the fulfilment of compulsory education and training (three-year IeFP qualification), or having reached 18 years of age. For foreign citizens, knowledge of the Italian language at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
Attendance Allowance and Course Location
An attendance allowance is foreseen for unemployed individuals who have reached 55 years of age at the time of enrolment. This allowance amounts to €3.50 per hour attended (calculated only on classroom and synchronous FAD hours), up to a maximum of €250. Recipients of “Reddito di cittadinanza” and beneficiaries of social safety nets due to involuntary unemployment or in an active employment relationship are excluded from this allowance. The allowance will be paid at the end of the project and only to those who have obtained the final certification for the first completed course.
The course is organized by Formimpresa and lessons will be held at the classrooms and laboratories located in Via C. Pisacane n° 3 in Siena.
Enrolment Procedures
Enrolment in the course is divided into two distinct phases:
- Phase 1 – Access to the GOL Program: interested individuals must enrol in the GOL program exclusively at the Employment Centres. At the chosen Employment Centre, the beneficiary will be directed to a specific pathway based on the orientation results.
- Phase 2 – Course Enrolment: in this phase, the beneficiary can formalize their enrolment in the specific course either at an Employment Center or an Employment Agency.
This initiative represents a strategic opportunity for all those who wish to acquire or requalify highly sought-after competencies in the job market of the plant engineering sector, contributing to their professional growth and occupational autonomy.