Migration and work: the cohesive role of vocational training policies

Migration and work are truly connected notions in the European social model. Work is a pillar of active citizenship and a fundamental step in individuals' self-construction. In such framework, vocational education and training (Vet) represent a twofold integration channel, combining both education and work paths. In Italy, the role of Vet is particularly important for first- and second-generation migrants, who are more likely to attend Vet courses than other education paths. However, Vet is commonly perceived like a segregation path, rather than like a port of entry to active citizenship and integration. The present work discusses the hypothesis of "subordinate integration" of migrants into the Italian Vet system. In particular, it examines the effectiveness of VT policies in fostering migrants' employability. The results of a Cati survey on a representative sample of Piedmont VT students suggest no specific discrimination to the detriment of the immigrants. Moreover, Vet net impact proves to be significantly positive on migrants. Hence, immigrants' participation to VT seems to denote a sort of "normalization strategy", rather than a subordinate integration scheme.