An internship (tirocinio) is primarily intended for orientation and training. It is important to note that an internship is not a standard employment relationship. It is designed to provide practical insights and facilitate entry into the workforce. The actual work performance takes a back seat. This is precisely why a clear distinction is particularly important in practice.
What types of internships are there?
In Italy, a distinction is made between curricular (within the context of school or university and thus as part of formal education) and extracurricular internship (for career orientation or career entry).
The curricular internship is part of an ongoing educational or training program. It is therefore conducted within the framework of a school, university, or recognized training program and is intended to supplement theoretical learning with practical experience. Responsibility for this lies primarily with the respective schools, universities, or training providers.
In contrast, extracurricular internships take place outside of a formal educational program. They are intended to promote career orientation or facilitate entry into—or a return to—the labor market. This type of internship is not uniformly regulated at the national level but is implemented by the regions and autonomous provinces. At the national level, however, there are common minimum standards.
These internships are generally intended for high school and college students, and, under certain conditions, also for individuals who have recently completed their education.
In South Tyrol, training and orientation internships are typically limited to school breaks, particularly the summer months and the Christmas holidays.
What is the minimum age for an internship?
In general, in Italy, access to work is generally only permitted from the age of 16, provided that compulsory schooling has been completed.
This is distinct from special regulations at the regional or provincial level. In South Tyrol, for example, a minimum age of 15 applies to training and orientation internships / summer internships.
How must an internship be reported?
An internship undertaken as part of school, university, or vocational training is part of an educational pathway. Such internships are organized and reported by schools, universities, or training institutions. Consequently, the company is not required to file any reports, including insurance with the National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL).
The situation is different for internships aimed at career exploration or entering the job market. Such extracurricular internships are generally subject to mandatory reporting by the host company.
Depending on the region or autonomous province, prior approval or authorization from the relevant authority may also be required. In South Tyrol, for example, training and orientation internships are handled through the ProPraktika portal; there, the internship project is submitted and reviewed by the Public Employment Service. Only after approval and signature by all parties involved does the internship become fully legally valid. In addition, the company must insure the intern against workplace accidents with INAIL and have liability insurance covering third parties.
How long can an internship last, and does it have to be paid?
The duration and compensation for an internship depend on the type of internship and which regulations apply.
Training and Orientation Internships
At the national level, the guidelines for extracurricular internships generally stipulate a minimum duration of 2 months and a maximum duration of 12 months. In addition, a minimum gross stipend of at least 300 euros per month is required.
However, these requirements do not apply uniformly throughout Italy. The regions and autonomous provinces may establish more detailed regulations and, in some cases, adopt provisions that differ from them.
For example, South Tyrol has its own regulations regarding training and orientation internships. There, the recommended allowance is at least 650 euros gross per month, with a maximum of 900 euros gross per month. The minimum duration is 2 weeks. The maximum duration is 3 months for students in certain school types and 6 months for university students or certain graduates; the total duration may not exceed 10 months.
School internship
These placements are planned and supervised by the school; they require an agreement with the host company, and students are supported by an in-school tutor as well as a contact person at the company. The duration is usually two weeks, but can also be adjusted on an individual basis.
How many interns can a company take on at the same time?
Here, too, regulations vary from place to place. Depending on the region or province, maximum limits may apply. In South Tyrol, the number of interns that can be accepted at any one time depends on the number of employees. The following applies there:
- 0 to 5 employees: 1 intern
- For 6 to 19 employees: 2 interns
- for 20 or more employees: no more than 10% of the workforce.
Do occupational safety regulations apply to interns?
Yes, interns are generally to be treated the same as employees when it comes to occupational safety. Even though an internship does not constitute a regular employment relationship, regulations regarding health and safety in the workplace must be observed. Special care must also be taken with regard to underage interns.
| Topic |
Orientation Internship |
School internship |
| Purpose |
Career orientation, entry into or re-entry into the labor market |
Learning as part of school or vocational training |
| Who can complete an internship |
Generally intended for high school students, college students, and recent graduates |
Part of a school curriculum, typically for students as part of their education |
| Minimum age |
Available from age 16, provided compulsory education has been completed. In South Tyrol, a special rule applies to training and orientation internships: minimum age 15. |
No uniform age requirement; the specific educational path is decisive |
| Compensation |
Nationally, at least €300 gross per month.
In South Tyrol: Compensation of €650 to €900 gross per month is recommended. |
Typically, no standard internship pay shown on the pay stub |
| Duration |
At least 2 months, up to 12 months.
In South Tyrol: at least 2 weeks, usually up to 3 months for high school students and up to 6 months for university students or graduates; total of up to 10 months. |
No standard internship duration, but usually 2 weeks |
| Reporting requirement |
Generally subject to registration.
In South Tyrol, prior approval from the employment office is required. |
Not subject to reporting requirements |
| Insurance |
INAIL accident insurance is required.
Additional requirement: Existing liability insurance |
Insurance with the accident insurance agency is normally arranged through the school itself |
| Number of interns |
1 intern for 0–5 employees
2 interns for 6–20 employees
10% for more than 20 employees; regional regulations may apply. |
|
Frequantly asked questions (FAQ)
1. Is an internship in Italy considered a normal employment relationship?
No. An internship is generally intended for orientation and training and is not regular employment relationship. It is intended to provide practical insights and must not be to permanently replace a regular employee.
2. What is the minimum age for an internship in Italy?
In general, individuals must be at least 16 years old to work in Italy, provided they have completed their compulsory education. However, special regional or local regulations may apply to certain types of internships. In South Tyrol, for example, vocational and exploratory internships, for example, a minimum age of 15 applies.
3. Does an internship need to be registered?
That depends on the type of internship. School internships are generally not required to be registered. Training and orientation internships outside of a current educational program, on the other hand, are subject to mandatory registration.
4. Does an internship have to be paid?
Compensation is provided for extracurricular internships. In South Tyrol, a gross monthly compensation of between 650 and 900 euros is currently recommended for training and orientation internships. School internships, on the other hand, are not normally paid.
5. How long can an internship last?
This also depends on the type of internship and the applicable regional regulations.
Nationally, extracurricular internships generally last between 2 and 12 months. In South Tyrol, training and orientation internships may have shorter durations, such as a minimum of 2 weeks, and—depending on the group of people—varying maximum durations.
School internships typically last about two weeks, but in practice they are often organized individually by the school.
6. Do occupational safety regulations apply to interns?
Yes. Even though an internship is not a standard employment relationship, interns generally treated the same as employees when it comes to occupational safety.