One significant challenge to Europe’s attractiveness for investment is the gap between the skills graduates have and the skills required for in-demand careers, especially those involving sustainability. For the 17 million people who work in the EU’s agri-food sector and the 18 million who work in construction – to say nothing of the hundreds of millions who rely on them for sustenance and shelter – it is vital to take advantage of cutting-edge technological solutions.

To bridge this divide and help the next generation overcome entrepreneurial challenges, CNH has partnered with Istituti Tecnologici Superiori (ITS), which offer technical qualifications to post-secondary school students in Italy. Together, they provide training programmes in critical skillsets for the future.

Two courses – one focused on agronomy, innovation, technology and precision farming to train agri-managers and one focused on workshop techniques, maintenance, diagnostics and mechatronics to train specialised technicians – help ITS students develop specialist skillsets, prepare for entrepreneurial realities and equip themselves for their future careers. CNH is intricately involved in both courses. The company partners with teachers and experts to help develop the curricula, participates in teaching and provides machinery and technology to support students’ education. It also connects students with its network of agriculture and construction equipment dealers to facilitate internships and full-time jobs.

As explained by Daniela Ropolo, Head of Sustainable Development Initiatives, CNH:

‘CNH is continually searching for better solutions and breakthrough ideas to meet the enormous challenge of feeding and sheltering a growing global population. Part of our vision is to sustainably advance the essential role of agricultural workers throughout the world, so I am delighted with the success of this project.’

Since the initiative began in 2022, more than 100 students have participated in the courses through ITS programmes in Piedmont, Basilicata, Lazio, Emilia Romagna and Puglia. As a result, employers across the country have access to a growing talent pool with the skills to implement technological solutions and enhance sustainability in agriculture and construction. Going forward, CNH, ITS and their partners will expand their collaboration to bring this programme to other regions of Italy and make it available to even more future agri-managers and specialised technicians.