🌍 Why More and More Italian Engineers Are Studying Abroad to Boost Their Careers

In recent years, an increasing number of Italian engineering graduates have been looking beyond national borders to boost their careers. The trend is clear: studying abroad — especially in international hubs like Manchester — is increasingly seen as a strategic way to gain global experience, improve language skills, and access more competitive job markets across Europe and beyond.

In this article, we’ll explore why Italian engineers are opting for international study programs, how these paths are enhancing employability in infrastructure and energy sectors, and what role specialized institutions like Dirextra play in shaping the next generation of global professionals.

👉 The full topic will be developed in detail below, with real-world examples, official data, and links to our graduate training opportunities.

The Globalisation of the Engineering Profession

The construction, oil & gas, and infrastructure sectors are increasingly international. Major contracts — whether for high-speed railways, renewable energy plants, or smart cities — are handled by global joint ventures and consortia. In this context, professionals who have trained abroad are often preferred for their adaptability, language skills, and cross-cultural competencies.

According to a report by the OECD, international mobility is growing across all technical disciplines, with engineering ranking among the most mobile professions in Europe.

Why Study Engineering in Manchester?

Manchester has become a key training ground for future engineers thanks to its academic culture and industrial partnerships. The goal is not direct access to employment in the UK — which is currently restricted due to immigration rules — but rather:

• Exposure to world-class teaching and international standards
• Practical experience aligned with European and global job markets
• Connections with companies operating across the EU, Middle East, and Africa
• Full immersion in an English-speaking environment, useful for international careers

At Dirextra, our Construction, Oil & Gas & Infrastructure Master combines 3 months of intensive classroom training in Manchester with a 5-month paid internship on real projects in Italy or abroad.

👉 Learn more about our Master in Construction & Infrastructure

Turning Italian Talent into International Readiness

Italian universities offer strong technical preparation. However, many graduates feel underprepared for the demands of international projects. What’s often missing?

• Hands-on experience with major infrastructure contractors
• Professional use of technical English
• Exposure to industry-specific regulations and practices (e.g., FIDIC, NEC)

That’s where international programs like those by Dirextra Alta Formazione make the difference — building a bridge between academic knowledge and real-world applications.

From the Lecture Room to the Construction Site

Structured training is only the beginning. The real leap happens when students apply what they’ve learned in complex, multidisciplinary environments. Thanks to long-standing partnerships with leading contractors, Dirextra students gain access to:

• Construction and energy sites in Italy and other countries
• Site engineering roles and support offices
• ESG, procurement, and planning functions

🎓 Here’s how our placement system works

Success Stories from Around the World

Our alumni are building metro lines in Africa, wind farms in the Mediterranean, and tunnels in Scandinavia. What they share in common is this: a proactive decision to train internationally, supported by a program designed to launch them into global careers.

🗣️ “Studying in Manchester through Dirextra gave me the confidence to work with international teams. I’m now part of an energy project in Southern Italy with cross-border management.”

– Chiara L., Site Engineer

Final Thoughts: International Experience Still Matters

Even if post-Brexit regulations have made access to UK jobs more complex, the value of international education remains undisputed. Studying abroad today is an investment in versatility, communication, and long-term success — no matter where your career takes you.

And for many, that journey begins in Manchester.

👉 Explore all our graduate programs at Dirextra