Advanced Apprenticeship PhDs

To strengthen the relationship between universities and businesses, the Emilia-Romagna Region has signed a memorandum of understanding with universities and social partners to regulate the acquisition of university degrees, master's degrees and PhDs.

In particular, PhD degree apprenticeships are aimed at obtaining a PhD degree following the signing of an apprenticeship contract with companies that have at least one operational site in the region.

The initiative is aimed at PhD students under the age of 30 who are already enrolled or have been accepted in the latest selection process for admission to PhD programmes.

The apprenticeship contract must guarantee an adequate work-study balance and the completion of the training necessary to achieve the ‘PhD qualification’.

An integral part of the contract is the individual training plan consisting of the research project, defined jointly by the University and the company. It provides for a minimum of 120 hours per year of training (48 hours per year of internal training activities and 72 hours of external training) geared towards the acquisition of skills in the areas of technological and organisational innovation in the economy of regional businesses.

Procedures and deadlines

The company must sign the letter of intent for PhD apprentices with which it undertakes to enter into a PhD apprenticeship contract with a candidate eligible for a PhD programme. Download the letter of intent template (in Italian) [.docx 26 KB].

A representative of the company may participate in the selection procedure in the capacity of an expert in order to give an opinion with regard to the suitability of the candidates to undertake a PhD apprenticeship.

Upon completion of the selection process:

• the company may proceed with recruitment provided that the successful candidate has registered;
• a memorandum of understanding will be signed by the company and the University. This agreement governs the tasks and responsibilities of the University and the Employer, defining the duration, content and organisation of the learning programme, as well as regulating intellectual property;
• Following the first meeting of the Academic Board at the start of the programme, the tutors from both parties will draw up the individual study plan.

The work relationship between the company and its employee must be guaranteed for the entire duration of the PhD programme.