Caronte & Tourist: Borse di Studio a 15 Studenti di Trapani per le Professioni del Mare

Trapani, Sicily, was the site of a ceremony recognising academic achievement and fostering connections between education and the maritime industry. Fifteen recent graduates were awarded scholarships by Caronte & Tourist for their performance during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 school years.

Bridging Education and Industry

The event, titled “Le Professioni del Mare: dai banchi di scuola al mondo del lavoro” (The Professions of the Sea: From School Benches to the World of Work), marks the eighth year of a collaborative effort between the “L. Da Vinci – Torre” high school, Caronte & Tourist, and the Fit Cisl Sicilia union. The initiative aims to support students pursuing careers in the maritime sector.

Scholarship Benefits

Graduates specializing in Conduzione del Mezzo Navale (CMN – Naval Vehicle Operation) and Conduzione Apparati e Impianti Marittimi (CAIM – Maritime Equipment and Systems Operation) received both a monetary award and a valuable opportunity: a two-month work placement aboard a Caronte & Tourist vessel.

Did You Know? The collaboration between the school, Caronte & Tourist, and Fit Cisl Sicilia has been ongoing for eight years.

Tiziano Minuti, Responsabile del Personale e della Comunicazione (Head of Personnel and Communication) at Caronte & Tourist, emphasized the importance of investing in talent, particularly in a field demanding increasing specialization due to technological advancements and evolving regulations. He stated the company offers these scholarships in all the maritime cities where it operates, believing in the value of recognising excellence.

Rosanna Grimaudo, secretary of Fit Cisl Trapani and event moderator, highlighted the significance of Caronte & Tourist’s continued support, calling it an investment in the future of the region and Trapani’s potential to become a major port hub in the Mediterranean.

Vita D’Amico, the school’s Dirigente Scolastica (Headmistress), echoed this sentiment, describing the partnership as a “virtuous model” for supporting young graduates and connecting them with practical work experience. She noted the collaboration contributes to the growth of the local economy and the maritime sector.

Expert Insight: This program demonstrates a proactive approach to workforce development, directly addressing the need for skilled professionals in a specialized industry. By linking academic achievement with practical experience, it increases the likelihood of successful career pathways for these graduates.

Also in attendance were Dionisio Giordano, segretario generale (general secretary) of Fit Cisl Sicilia; Federica Badami, segretaria generale (general secretary) of Cisl Palermo Trapani; Giacomo Tranchida, the Mayor of Trapani; representatives from the Trapani Port Authority, including Federico Pucci and Alessia Marino; Gaspare Alastra, a technical official for navigation safety; Rosetta Gabriele, a representative of Sicindustria Trapani; and don Angelo Davide Orlando, the spiritual assistant of the Fondazione Auxilium.

Award Recipients

The fifteen students recognized for their achievements are:

Anno scolastico 2024/25: Dario Santalucia, Riccardo Navetta, Ambra Ruggirello, Alberto Cangemi, Alberto Incarbona, Samuele Catania, Antonino Giovanni Castelli.
Anno scolastico 2023/24: Fabio Di Pietra, Alberto Romano, Giovanni Luigi Fazio, Giulio Alfano, Giuseppe Anselmo, Enrico Orlando, Gioele Raccosta, Simone Torregrossa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fields of study were the scholarship recipients focused on?

The fifteen students were studying either Conduzione del Mezzo Navale (CMN – Naval Vehicle Operation) or Conduzione Apparati e Impianti Marittimi (CAIM – Maritime Equipment and Systems Operation).

How long is the work placement opportunity offered by Caronte & Tourist?

The scholarship includes a two-month work placement aboard one of Caronte & Tourist’s vessels.

How long has this scholarship program been running?

This is the eighth edition of the scholarship program, demonstrating a sustained commitment to supporting maritime education and workforce development.

As Trapani aims to become a key port in the Mediterranean, will continued collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders be crucial for its success?