Saperi tradizionali e saperi professionali nella formazione tecnica a Genova nella seconda metà dell’Ottocento

This study addresses the issue of technical and professional education in Genoa in the aftermath of Italy’s unification. Following the creation of night schools for the formation of skilled workers thanks to an initiative of the Chamber of Commerce, the Regio Istituto Tecnico (Royal Technical Institute) and Regio Istituto di Marina Mercantile (Royal Institute of the Merchant Navy) were established in 1860 and 1865, respectively. These two educational institutions offered innovative curricula that aimed to replicate study programs already available in more developed countries. Their objective was the development of professional competencies in the commercial and maritime fields. The recognition and success of the new study courses initially clashed with consolidated educational practices. The contrast between tradition and innovation in education is particularly evident in the maritime sector and contributes to maintain significant differences in the structure and curricula of the two Genoese institutions. The differences are further intensified by the diverging paths that characterize the labor markets in the industrial and maritime sectors. An increment in investments in the Genoese light and steel industries guarantees increasing job opportunities, which are followed by a rise in school attendance. On the contrary, during the same period the maritime sector suffers from a negative international economic cycle and a slow transition from sail to steam navigation. The problems faced by the Italian and Genoese merchant navy are reflected in the maritime labor market and in turn influence the quality of maritime education and student participation.