Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. The Committee notes the report received in September 2008 providing information on the various vocational guidance and training programmes, including detailed information on the employment and training insurance scheme. In reply to the direct request of 2003, the Government indicates that in 2004, an employment and training insurance scheme was created to help the beneficiaries of the Heads of Households Programme and to implement active employment policies which offer support to unemployed workers in searching for employment, by updating their vocational skills and helping them enter the labour market. Between April 2006 and July 2008, a total of 97,405 persons had joined the employment and training insurance scheme. Those interested in the scheme sign a Personal Membership Agreement in which they undertake to attend the Municipal Employment Office regularly to draw up a job-search plan and participate in guidance, training and work experience activities, as well as in other services which help them to improve their job prospects. Furthermore, the beneficiaries undertake to accept job offers that are in line with their experience and vocational skills. The General Employment Promotion Plan (More and Better Work) promotes adaptability to new productive processes by means of ongoing vocational training and technical assistance. Under the Plan, a consensus was reached on the analysis of the employment situation and on measures to improve the employability of unemployed workers and the quality of employment of active workers. Under the Building a future with decent work programme, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour are developing labour strategies and tools to incorporate the content of the fundamental principles and rights at work and the concept of decent work into the curriculum of secondary schools. The Government also highlights in its report the international cooperation with the Government of Italy and implemented by the ILO in seven regions of the country. The Committee observes the innovative approaches adopted in implementing an employment and training insurance scheme and developing tools to incorporate the fundamental principles and rights at work into the secondary education curriculum. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information and statistics in its next report to allow an examination of the results achieved under the various programmes and plans implemented relating to the vocational training and guidance given and the integration of the beneficiaries into the labour market. The Committee would also like to know how the social partners have collaborated in the implementation of programmes created by the Ministry of Labour relating to human resources development.