Are schools and the current curricula of technical-aeronautical schools ready to implement the forthcoming technological changes that the world of aeronautics has in store for us?

The recent reform of aeronautical and nautical schools, currently known as "Technical schools of transport and logistics" has led to different reactions: for some the reform has penalised and impoverished the education/preparation of future graduates; for others it has been a wise and brave reform because it creates the best conditions for schools to answer the challenges set by the employment market.

It is normal for a school to undergo reform when employment conditions change and more importantly when technological developments occur. We can no longer think of schools as separate entities that only respond to themselves. Schools need to be dynamic and able to adapt their educational activities on the basis of scientific-technological progress and on the requirements of the employment market. Only by following such a path with determination and without regretting the past may new technical schools meet the needs coming from the aeronautical world. These modern times demand pace, dynamism continuous updating and regeneration: schools cannot lag behind.

Is the employment market still looking for technical-aeronautical graduates?

As far as we are concerned the answer is positive. The students who have undertaken internships with organisations, companies and enterprises are held in esteem for their preparedness and the responsibility they have towards their commitment. They are often called by the same companies with which they had their internship to continue their work experience or to participate, if they have successfully graduated, in their recruitment processes.

Many of the meteorologists recruited by ENAV following the last two open competitions were our students. This shows that the preparation we provide is able to meet the demands of enterprises and organisations.

To graduate from the De Pinedo school continues to act as a guarantee for any organisation, company or enterprise wanting to recruit young, educated, motivated and technically prepared individuals among its personnel. I am confident this will continue in future years. This trend will probably be confirmed if we are able to successfully open Higher Technical Institutes (I.T.S.) in our sector and Region. These are "highly specialised technological schools" developed to meet the demands of business for new and relevant technical and technological competences. I.T.S. aim to prepare superior technicians in technologically areas strategic for economic development and competitiveness, they are a form of tertiary rather than university education. I.T.S. are developed in accordance with the structure of a Participatory Foundation" which includes schools, educational organisations, business, universities and research centres and local organisations.

Graduates in logistics should not be forgotten because these young individuals will be the first to possess such a qualification and will experience opportunities for employment that we can only imagine today.

Is there synergy between aeronautical schools and the training provided at the ENAV Academy?

We are planning to activate Superior Technical Education courses jointly with ENAV for the upcoming biennium. The objective is to train highly specialised individuals:
a) for the organisation and management of aircraft flight assistance with specific skills in the handling sector and in safety service planning, in flight economy and regularity.
b) For the management, support and maintenance of facilities and electronic systems used for air traffic control, possessing the skills to develop control software, the calibration of gauging instruments, logistic support of the resources utilised.

The current CEO at ENAV was a student at "De Pinedo" Technical Aeronautical School. Do you think that other young individuals might experience a similar career?

I am confident that De Pinedo School will continue to provide highly specialised personnel, capable of holding responsible positions, to ENAV, aeronautical and nautical academies and airlines. As far as ENAV is concerned Mr. Garbini's nomination to CEO of ENAV has filled us with pride since he was a former student at our school. With a sense of satisfaction we can state that Massimo Garbini is not an exception but follows a long line of other professionals including pilots, air traffic controllers, aeronautical sector specialists, specifically air transport and air navigation specialists who have been trained at De Pinedo School during its 40-year-long history.