Francesco Bertola and Vocational Education in Ticino: Between Utopia and Reality

Abstract

This contribution analyzes a specific attempt to reform vocational education in the canton of Ticino during the 1970s. After an initial section that examines the national context and debate – particularly highlighting the differences between Latin and Swiss German cantons in terms of education policies – the article focuses on Francesco Bertola’s reform proposals and how they were perceived by the cantonal press. The analysis of these proposals and their reception in public debate allows us to highlight, on the one hand, the difficulties and resistance Bertola himself faced in implementing his ideas, and on the other, the continuing relevance of the debate that emerged at the time.