Nextome's mission is to revolutionize the way people interact with indoor spaces, offering precise and reliable localization solutions as the cornerstone for any enhancements to buildings. The applications of such technologies range from the management of corporate spaces to security in public places, up to the optimization of people flows in large-scale events. Beyond technology, Nextome is motivated by passionate people who can create innovation because of their intrinsic curiosity and enthusiasm. Those gifts usually emerge when people are still studying or living their education periods. For this reason, Nextome offers an opportunity to all the students who are talented and curious to bridge the gap between school and working life. 

“Alternanza Scuola-Lavoro”, now known as “Pathways to Cross-Skills and Orientation” (PCTO), is an initiative of the Italian Ministry of Education that aims to integrate school education with practical experiences in real working environments and workplaces. This program offers high school students the opportunity to acquire useful skills and make informed decisions for their future career choices. 

Nextome has enthusiastically embraced the PCTO project, recognizing the importance of training new generations and investing in human capital. The company collaborates with several high schools and technical institutes, offering students the opportunity to participate in internships and training placements within their structure. 

During the visiting periods, students could work closely with Nextome professionals, participating in real projects, technical meetings and experimental campaigns, thus making it possible for them to acquire practical skills in areas such as software development, electronic engineering and project management. This type of practical training is essential to bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing students to successfully face the work. 

 

The experience of Nextome in the PCTO program started several years ago, and it started in 2018, with a pause due to COVID-19 outbreak between 2020 and 2022. Nextome was pleased to welcome more than 20 students so far, each spending at least 30 hours with our team. Many of them have emphasized how this experience has allowed them to better understand their professional inclinations and to acquire greater awareness of their abilities. Today we asked some questions to one of these guys, in particular, Marco Ardito, who graduated in 2023. 

Hi Marco, thank you for joining us today. How long did your PCTO period at Nextome last and how would you describe it? 

Thank you very much for the opportunity. The experience was very positive and constructive, both from an academic and a personal point of view. It lasted about two weeks, during which time I had the opportunity to learn how to develop an application from scratch. I also gained a concrete understanding of how the working environment in the IT sector works. I could closely observe the requests and expectations addressed to designers. This experience allowed me to apply the theoretical knowledge learned at school to real situations and to grow both in terms of technical skills and organizational and communication skills. 

What skills and knowledge did it allow you to acquire? 

First, I learned how to draft detailed technical documents, including all the specifications necessary for using an application. This allowed me to understand the importance of clarity in documentation, essential for the entire team for the future development of the project. 

Furthermore, I developed key skills in collaborating within a work team. I learned how to organize and divide responsibilities, manage deadlines and coordinate activities with colleagues to achieve common goals. This experience taught me to communicate effectively, solve problems collaboratively and work in a dynamic professional context, enriching not only my technical skills but also my interpersonal skills. 

What do you think was the value of an experience like this for you and your classmates? 

This experience had enormous value both for me and for my classmates. From an educational standpoint, it allowed us to put into practice the theoretical knowledge acquired at school, dealing with real situations and concrete challenges proposed by working activities. We learned to work on complex projects, manage time and resources, and collaborate effectively within a team, fundamental skills for our professional future. 

Furthermore, it provided us with our first real contact with the working environment, a career in IT, and what daily life is in this sector. This allowed us not only to acquire new technical skills but also to mature on a personal level, developing organizational and relational skills that will be valuable in any work context. For many of us, the experience also strengthened our interest in the IT field, offering us a more concrete vision of future opportunities. 

How do you rate the working environment and the support you receive from your tutors and colleagues in the company? 

Well, it was extremely welcoming. From the very beginning, I felt at ease thanks to the collaborative atmosphere and the inclusive approach. The tutors were always available for any clarification, demonstrating a great attitude and competence in guiding us throughout the journey. They stimulated our creativity, encouraging us to propose innovative ideas and find original solutions to problems. 

Nextome would like to thank by heart Marco for volunteering in this interview. His voice was important to prove how much the firm tries to propose itself in the panorama of southern Italy as a virtuous and broad-minded example of how companies can contribute to the training of new generations, investing in their future and creating a bridge between school (e.g., education) and working life. Their commitment to the PCTO program demonstrates that they firmly believe in the value of training and in the importance of preparing young people to face the challenges of the future with competence and determination.