by InTrieste
In a bid to strengthen integration and enhance workplace inclusion, Fincantieri, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding companies, has rolled out Italian language courses for foreign workers employed by subcontractors at its Monfalcone and Sestri Ponente shipyards.
Funded by the Fincantieri Foundation, the courses are part of the company’s everyDEI program, an initiative that places Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the heart of its corporate identity. The classes, held on-site at the shipyards, aim to address both professional and social language needs, providing foreign workers with tools to navigate their jobs and local communities more effectively.
“This program is not just about improving communication,” said a Fincantieri spokesperson. “It’s about fostering a sense of belonging and empowering workers to fully participate in their professional and personal lives.”
Tailored Training for Real Integration
The courses, which began this week, are designed to develop practical skills, such as conversational Italian for daily interactions, comprehension of operational instructions, and the ability to manage basic documentation. These skills are seen as vital to ensuring full participation in the workplace and beyond.
The program currently includes a 50-hour curriculum, spread over 25 bi-weekly sessions running through late February. Two classes have been established at the Monfalcone shipyard, accommodating about 50 participants, and another at Sestri Ponente, with 24 participants.
The demand has been overwhelming. Nearly 400 workers applied to take initial language tests, prompting Fincantieri to schedule additional sessions to accommodate the interest. Plans are already in place to expand the initiative with more classes in the coming months.
Beyond the Classroom
The language courses are just one piece of Fincantieri’s broader strategy to support foreign workers. The company has introduced an Online Cultural Mediation Desk, which provides resources on topics such as citizenship rights, local orientation services, and labor regulations.
These initiatives are part of Fincantieri’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment across its entire ecosystem, including subcontractors. “Inclusion is not a box to check—it’s a continuous process,” the spokesperson added.
The everyDEI program also tackles broader themes such as multiculturalism, disability, intergenerational collaboration, and gender equality. By weaving these efforts into its corporate culture, Fincantieri aims to create a workplace where diversity thrives, fueling innovation and growth.
A Model for Industry
Fincantieri’s approach has drawn attention beyond Italy. With global debates on migration and labor rights intensifying, the company’s proactive steps to address linguistic and cultural barriers stand out as a model for fostering economic and social integration.
By investing in its workforce and supply chain, Fincantieri is not only boosting productivity but also building stronger ties within its local communities—one class at a time.
“This is not just about teaching a language,” the spokesperson concluded. “It’s about building bridges, creating opportunities, and showing what’s possible when diversity is embraced.”
