A diploma ceremony for the graduation of 16 refugees who became qualified laborers in the construction field following training took place in Taranto, Puglia, last week.
Sixteen foreign citizens, both asylum seekers and persons who already benefit from international protection, have successfully completed a training course in the construction sector. The program was organized by Formedil CPT Taranto, a provincial training center for the construction industry, in collaboration with the Prefecture of Taranto. The initiative is part of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at fostering the socio-economic integration of migrants.
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A total of 238 migrant persons from 19 different countries were involved
The project involved a total of 238 persons coming from 19 countries, among these: Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Cameroon, the Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, for a total of 250 training hours.
The first 16 participants who completed the course can work in the construction field as qualified laborers. The official ceremony giving them the certificates took place last week at the HQ of Formedil, in the Paolo VI neighborhood, in the presence of the Prefect, Paola Dessì.
Even local businesses of the construction sector were actively engaged and accompanied participants in the practical internships at the construction sites.
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The project aimed at promoting inclusion began one year ago
"The construction field always needs qualified labor and thanks to the contribution of the Prefecture, of the associations, and of ANCE Taranto (The National Association of Construction Firms), now we have a new qualified workforce," declared the President of Formedil, Paolo Campagna. "They are an extraordinary youth, they came to Italy filled with the desire to learn," he added.
Even the Vice President of Formedil and Secretary General of the construction laborers Fillea CGIL Taranto, Francesco Bardinella, commented: "It is a great example of how dignity, economic redemption, and true sheltering are possible if all social actors focus on work placing it at the center."
The project, launched approximately one year ago, aims to bring together training and inclusion, providing a concrete answer both to the demand for qualified labor and the need for autonomy of migrants.