Top 10 In-Demand Skills in Italy

According to the OECD Employment Outlook 2024, Italy’s labor market will continue to grow over the next 2 years. Total employment will grow by 1.2% in 2024 and 1% in 2025, even with the demographic challenges of the aging population and low birth rates. But there’s a catch – there are many job vacancies across the country, but a skills gap remains the big issue.

As industries evolve and new technologies emerge, companies struggle to find candidates with the right skills. The misalignment between labor market needs and the skills of the workforce is a hindrance for the economy from fully utilizing the growth opportunities. This situation is an opportunity for job seekers to address these gaps and enter a skilled and adaptable workforce.

The work culture for jobs in Italy emphasizes trust and a clear hierarchy. Italian professionals are polite and prioritize building interpersonal relationships before finalizing business deals. This trust-based approach fosters mutual respect among employees and strengthens workplace dynamics. 

Here are the key aspects of Italian work culture:

• Commitment to Excellence: One thing that Italians pride themselves in is quality and workmanship.
• Respect for Structure: Organizational subordination and occupation ranks are valued.
• Language Proficiency: Italy is a country that takes pride in its language and culture. So, the ability to speak Italian is appreciated not only as a language but as a cultural phenomenon. 

What Skills Are Most in Demand for Jobs in Italy?

As reported by Agenzia Nova, 45.1% of workforce needs went unmet due to the skill shortage, leaving over 2.48 million positions unfilled, up from 40.5% in 2022. There is a growing demand for specialized skills like AI, IT, healthcare and many more.

1. IT Skills

Italy’s digital transformation is driving an increase in demand for IT skills across industries. 

The 2022 Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) report highlights Italy’s commitment to improving its digital infrastructure and capabilities. While progress is being made, Italy is still behind other EU countries in terms of digital skills. Italy needs more professionals with IT and data management skills to close this gap and support its growing digital economy.

2. Healthcare Skills

The healthcare sector in Italy is experiencing a growing need for skilled workers, mainly driven by the aging population that needs more medical attention and support. According to the UNECE, this demographic shift requires a bigger workforce to meet the healthcare needs of older adults.

According to the OECD 2023 indicators, Italy has 4.1 practicing doctors per 1,000 people, which is above the OECD average of 3.7. However, Italy has only 6.2 practicing nurses per 1,000, far below the OECD average of 9.2.

This shows that they need more skilled healthcare workers to fill the gap. To take care of Italy’s aging population and make the healthcare system more efficient, Italy needs more workforce to address this skills shortage.

3. Cybersecurity Skills

The number of cyber threats targeting Italian companies is gradually rising: from 27% in 2022 to 40% in 2023. Therefore, there is a deficit of skilled cybersecurity specialists to adequately respond to these threats.

David Jones, President of Cyber Security Italia, said, "Cybersecurity is no longer an optional investment; it's a business must-have in today's digital landscape." This sums up the surge of 10,000 skilled cybersecurity professionals in protecting digital assets. 

Additionally, according to Chambers and Partners, with tight regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), companies must have better systems in order to be compliant. Major sectors like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing are looking for cyber experts to secure their systems from breaches. With the increasing use of technology, the need for skilled professionals in cybersecurity is increasing, so Italy is a hotbed for talent in this field.

4. Hospitality Skills

The hospitality industry in Italy is a key part of the economy and is recovering and growing after the pandemic. According to ReportLinker, Italy’s hospitality market will grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2023 to 2028, driven by increasing tourism and demand for luxury experiences. 

Moreover, a report by Research and Markets says that the rise of eco-tourism and sustainable travel has further increased the need for skilled workers in this sector. Roles in hotel management, event planning, and culinary arts are in high demand as companies want to offer unique and high-quality services. As one of the world’s top tourist destinations, Italy is acquiring hospitality skills, which means big employment opportunities in the next few years.

5. Data Analysis Skills

According to a report by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, the number of tech job openings in Italy is expected to skyrocket by 27% by the end of 2024. With the digital revolution in full swing, the IT industry is set to expand more than a GDP growth of 1% in 2024 and 1.1% in 2025.

Companies are looking for candidates with data analysis, big data interpretation, and Python and R skills to stay ahead of the competition. By developing these skills, you can position yourself for success and contribute to Italy’s growth.

6. Green Energy Engineering Skills

The demand for green energy engineering skills is growing fast across Europe, including Italy, as the countries switch to renewable energy sources. According to the Futures of Green Skills and Jobs in Europe 2050 report, the 55% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 will drive job growth in energy efficiency sectors.

Across Europe, the renewables sector will need a 5.2% increase in new employees before 2030. Henceforth, this makes it a key area for job growth as they can upskill themselves to get employed in Italy.

"While two-thirds of GenZ! participants in a survey said they were interested in training programs on “green” skills, employers are yet to align their climate goals with their hiring, and identification of the required "green" skills. There are job titles without the word sustainability but can still contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the company."

Efrem Bycer, Senior Lead Manager of Public Policy and Economic Graph at LinkedIn ,
Efrem Bycer.

7. AI Skills

The demand for AI skills in Italy is growing fast, driven by the government’s focus on technology. The Italian Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2024-2026 highlights the need for professionals in machine learning, natural language processing, and data analysis.

The report shows the AI sector will create many job opportunities as companies will use AI to increase efficiency and innovation. To address this demand, the strategy includes initiatives for educational programs and training to develop a skilled workforce. 

8. Driving Skills

The demand for drivers in Italy is constantly growing, especially in the commuting and logistics sectors. Furthermore, there is a shortage of drivers in the trucking industry. Italy alone needs more than 20,000 truck drivers in essential supplies. 

This puts pressure on the transportation system, and there is a growing need for skilled drivers, especially in urban and regional transit. Moreover, Italy’s logistics and e-commerce sectors are growing, and demand for professional drivers to manage deliveries and transportation services is increasing. 

9. Teaching Skills

Italy is facing a big shortage of skilled teachers, especially in regions with higher poverty rates and areas like STEM, early childhood development, and inclusive education. According to UNICEF, this shortage affects the quality of education, especially where skilled teachers are needed most to improve learning outcomes. The demand for digitally literate teachers is also growing as classrooms become more digital.

Furthermore, the 2023 Education and Training Monitor says that almost 50% of Italy’s teaching workforce is over 50 years old. Hence, there will be more retirements and a widening of the workforce gap. The report says many teachers feel unprepared for the growing use of digital tools in education, making it harder to modernize Italy’s education system.

10. Cloud Computing Skills

The Trade.gov underlines that the majority of Italian firms have adopted cloud computing, with 61% of the firms having 10+ employees in 2023. This high adoption rate solely means that there is a need for people skilled in cloud computing, as has been observed.

Additionally, the research describes the national cloud strategy formulated by the Italian government that promotes the adoption of cloud solutions among private enterprises. This government push serves to highlight the need for a talented workforce that is capable of both effectively utilizing and managing cloud tools. 

How to Improve Your Skills for Italy's Job Market?

To address skills shortages in key sectors, the Italian government and partner institutions offer various vocational training and certification programs. These programs target the job market and are open to both entry-level and professionals to upskill.

ANPAL (National Agency for Active Labour Policies)
ANPAL coordinates vocational training in Italy. It focuses on employability by offering programs in digital technology, data analysis, and IT skills. These programs will equip job seekers with the skills needed for today’s fast-changing job market and meet industry needs.

Forma.Temp
Forma. Temp provides vocational training for temporary workers. The agency offers courses in core areas such as logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. These programs are designed to meet the immediate needs of the labor market and equip participants with practical skills to upskill in high demand sectors.

CPIA (Provincial Centers for Adult Education)
CPIA network focuses on adult education and offers courses in language skills, basic literacy, and IT training. These programs are mainly for low-skilled individuals and migrants to integrate into the workforce. By providing basic skills, CPIA plays a key role in employability and lifelong learning. 

AFPA (Agence nationale pour la formation professionnelle des adultes)
AFPA offers vocational training across many sectors, including construction, industrial maintenance, and personal services. Practical skills-focused AFPA programs will help individuals gain the expertise needed to succeed in their profession and upskill their careers.

These institutions will upskill and improve job opportunities for individuals in the Italian job market.

Conclusion 

Italy is at a crossroads, with many opportunities for professionals starting with the skills shortage across many sectors like healthcare, AI, teaching and driving. Closing the skills gap is key to economic growth and personal career development. The government and educational institutions' commitment to vocational training and certification programs is a good step to have a more skilled workforce.

If you want to upskill your team, Edstellar is the right partner. With industry-focused training programs, engaging courses, and tools like the Skill Matrix for gap analysis, Edstellar will help you stay ahead of the curve. Check them out today and invest in your workforce's future.