My son Mattia has just turned 16 and would like to do the season. We immediately mobilized to look for work, but no one was willing to take it on. I’m outraged.” It is a complaint that comes after three months of research, that of Cinzia Tamburini. Resident in Rimini, the woman would like her son, attending the second year of scientific high school, to be allowed to carry out work experience in the seasonal sector. A desire easier said than realized. With circular no. 1369 of 7 August 2023, issued by the National Labor Inspectorate, establishes that the apprenticeship contract – one of the most advantageous formulas for owners of commercial establishments, given the tax relief – must combine school training and activities carried out on the job . This is a scenario that would not be possible for the young Mattia.
«How can a 16-year-old boy coming from high school get involved if no one is willing to give him an opportunity? – complains Tamburini -. We made contact with managers of various venues: bars, beach clubs, ice cream parlors. But they say their hands are tied.” Meanwhile the frustration grows day by day. The Rimini native – who years ago, in a local ice cream shop, had her very first experience with the harsh rhythms of the season – would like her son to be allowed to gain experience. «I wouldn’t disdain other types of jobs, but I see the catering and tourism sector as the most suitable – he points out -. He would learn a lot. And then there is a lot of demand.” Nonetheless, there is no openness on the part of operators in the sector. If until last summer the hiring of minors did not appear so prohibitive, today most of them stay away from workers under the age of 18. «With a minor there are many more risks and obligations, if you make mistakes you will be punished – observes the Rimini native -. Furthermore, with the circular issued last August, the issue has worsened. We moved in February, but for now nothing.” Giving up, on the other hand, is not even remotely an option for Mattia’s mother. She declares herself more than convinced of the benefits that an experience in seasonal work would bring to the life of her son. «There is a question of discipline, of respect for the rules, of personal maturation – Tamburini points out -. How can a young person discover all these things if he is not put in a position to do so?
At the moment, mother and son just have to wait for the waters to move. At present, the only comforting news is that the Region has already started a discussion with Minister Calderone. Also because the needs of young people like Mattia, the Rimini native recalls, need to be taken into consideration as soon as possible. «The beautiful season is approaching – he stigmatizes -. The entrepreneurs already have their hands tied because they are minors. If we also complicate the issue of apprenticeships, where do we expect to go?”.
