A study examined vocational education and training in Italy. First, vocational education was placed within the context of Italy's political and administrative structures and economy. Italy's systems of general and vocational education were described, and the legislative aspects were examined. Special attention was paid to funding from various European Community sources. It was concluded that vocational education in Italy needs a more standard and structured framework; however, it was deemed likely that demand from individuals and enterprises would be a further factor in continued diversification through experiments that may offer many people their only opportunity to catch up on the basis knowledge needed to obtain a job or improve their prospects. Increasing demand from small firms, the possibility of training providing skills in a number of sectors, and the spread of new technology into nonindustrial sectors were seen as three of many factors that would stimulate changes in both content and delivery of vocational education. European integration was deemed the greatest stimulus for renewal of vocational education in Italy. (Contains 43 tables/figures. Appended are the following: a list of acronyms/abbreviations; names/addresses of 46 agencies, organizations, and training institutions; a 65-item bibliography; and glossary.) (MN)