The survey, conducted among around 300 companies collaborating with the ITS, aims to assess whether training programmes meet labour market needs and identify the skills that should be further strengthened. According to the initial findings, more than half of the companies consider students to be very or fairly well prepared for the activities carried out during their internships, while the remaining 47.6% believe they are only partially prepared. No company expressed a negative assessment.
Among the technical skills considered most important are the use of digital tools, including artificial intelligence-based solutions, management software, knowledge of logistics and customs procedures, warehouse management and transport documentation. Companies also call for greater emphasis on Italian geography and industry certifications.
Considerable attention is also given to soft skills. The most sought-after are the ability to manage stress and workload peaks (66.7%) and teamwork (61.9%). Among the main weaknesses identified are a lack of proactivity, time management, interpersonal skills and data analysis capabilities, as well as a widespread perception of ports as environments that are not particularly innovative from a technological perspective.
The survey also confirms strong employment prospects: according to more than 90% of the companies, the likelihood of hiring interns within twelve months of completing their placement is high or very high. “Training programmes can no longer simply keep pace with change: they must anticipate it together with the business community,” said Damaso Zanardo, President of ITS Marco Polo Academy, highlighting that the evolution of ports, logistics and artificial intelligence makes increasingly close cooperation between the education system and businesses essential.
