Chi has never dreamed, as a child, to become astronaut, explorer or a famous singers? That desire is a vivid memory for many, even if, over the years, those dreams have faded by becoming only children of children. Unlike then, The eighth grade boys today6 out of 10 boys, they have a well -defined professional dream and much more pragmaticalready in third grade. And, strange but true, it is neither youtuber nor the influencer.

The thirteen -year -olds have clear ideas on the work of the future

Although, in fact, advertising campaigns promote innovative careers related to technology and digital transitionthe new professions emerge only timidly, leaving room for a mix of ambitions rooted in tradition: doctor, engineer, teacher, psychologist, lawyer and journalistthese are, according to recent research conducted by Skuola.net and Unioncamere, the most coveted professions.

The moment of choice

But there is more. It is not just about daydreams. These just thirteen -year -old boys, in fact, they face their choices with a surprising maturityinquiring, comparing and planning their path in a much more accurate way than in the past. Moreover, the school system does not wait. At only 13, students must choose high school, e they are aware that it is a very important decision which can significantly influence their future.

Little insecurity for the thirteen -year -olds

So much so that, a few days after the opening of the registrations, Almost eight of thirteen -year -old students had already traced the route to the chosen study address. A remarkable progress compared to the past, when uncertainty enveloped almost double the children and which testifies to the effectiveness of school orientation activities. According to theObservatory on school orientationin the last year 77% of students participated in dedicated activities organized by their Institute, with 35% that started the orientation process already from the second average.

Open day how much we like you

The Open Day, in fact, are among the most appreciated tools by the students in the choice phase and, moreover, The orientation council, a document that offers targeted suggestions based on the pupil’s profilewas received by 79% of students, reflecting important growth compared to ten years ago, when this practice was still not widespread.

Determined and sure of them on what they want to do as big. The thirteen -year -old surprise for their awareness (Getty Images)

The role of parents

Parents continue to play a key role: Almost 90% of students choose a path approved by the parents, even if only 15% admit they have undergone a real family pressure. The situation changes if there is at least one graduate parent at home: In this case, the influence rises to 20%, and participation in open days becomes practically mandatory (80%). It is not surprising, therefore, that indecision is drastically reduced to 10% in these families.

Registration at the start

From 20 January 2025, Registration for primary schools, secondary and second grade secondary schoolsand for professional training centers they officially openedwith the deadline set on 10 February 2025. This year, there is no shortage of news: Among the most innovative proposals stand out the 4+2 technological-professional paths and the new Made in Italy high school, designed to meet the needs of a continuously evolving labor market, but still enhancing Italian excellence. Online registrationsmandatory for state and optional schools for equal ones, are available on the official platform of the Ministry of Education and Merit.

Orientation tools and initiatives

Unioncamere, the Italian Union of the Chambers of Commerce, is doing its part to guide students, parents and teachers towards aware choices. Has made, in fact, available tools like Excelsiorientaan orientation application inspired by the world of gaming, and the Excelsior information system, which offers valuable information on work prospects. The project, then, “What do I do with diploma?”the result of the collaboration with Skuola.net, continues to raise awareness of the importance of a path of studies that really prepare them in the world of work.

The school choices of Italian students

The most recent statistics reveal an interesting picture of the school choices of Italian students. For the school year 2024/2025, 52.5% of students opt for high schoolswhile a good 30% prefers the technical address. Among the high schools, the most chosen is the scientific high school (24.7%), followed by the linguistic one (14.2%) and by human sciences (12.5%). Among the technicians, however, preferences are mainly towards the economic (28.9%), computer science and telecommunications (18.1%) and mechanics (9.2%). Small percentagesbut still significant, They focus on emerging addresses such as the Made in Italy high schoolwith a percentage of 0.2%.

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