Regione Siciliana

Welcome to Sicily!

Island region in Southern Italy known for its amazing landscapes, with rich blend of Greek, Roman, Arab and Norman influences.

Key facts & Geography

Sicily is the largest island of Italy and one of Italy’s five autonomous regions with special legislative and administrative powers, famous for its natural beauty and its artistic and cultural tradition, inherited from its thousand-year history as a crossroads of civilizations. As of 31/01/2025 Sicily has 4.779.371 inhabitants. 

It’s located in the Central Mediterranean Sea, just off the "toe" of Italy’s boot, from which it is separated by the narrow Strait of Messina. An integral part of its natural and cultural charm are the islands that surround it: the Aeolian Islands, the Egadi Islands, Pantelleria, Ustica and the Pelagians. It is dominated by Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. 

The region is characterized by rugged mountainous terrain, fertile agricultural plains, and a stunning coastline. 

Due to its insular condition, airports constitute a strategic infrastructure for the mobility of residents and for tourist flows, particularly from abroad. In the region there are six airports relating to two distinct traffic basins: Catania and Comiso in the eastern part of the island; Palermo, Trapani, Pantelleria and Lampedusa in the western one.

Main Cities

• Palermo (Metropolitan city): over 625,000 residents.

Administrative capital, cultural hub, and economic center. A lively urban center rich in heritage

• Catania (Metropolitan city): over 297,000 residents

  Industrial, university and baroque city in Sicily’s eastern coast, located near Mount Etna.

•  Messina (Metropolitan city): over 216,000 residents

Gateway to mainland Italy, “the door of Sicily” with strong maritime activity, cruise tourism and touristic cities in its province. 

• Siracusa: over 115,000 residents

  Historic city with Greek and Baroque heritage.

• Ragusa, Caltanissetta, Agrigento, Trapani and Enna Medium size centres, whose economy is mainly based on agricultural, livestock farming, fishing and tourism.

Educational system:

                High Schools

• Academic
• Secondary, technical and professional education Institutes.
• Higher education institutes (ITS Academy) with specialist courses ranging from energy efficiency to various technologies up to the agri-food system.

Universities

• University of Palermo offers a wide range of degree courses covering all fields of knowledge Strong in Medicine, Nursing and Physiotherapy, Engineering and Sport Sciences.
• University of Catania offers a wide range of undergraduate and post graduate degrees and a great number of study courses. Strong in Engineer, IT and ICT technologies, Economics, Medicine Health professions.
• University of Messina known for Law, Economics, Medicine, Engineering, Political Sciences. It is active in Erasmus and international exchange.
• Kore University of Enna is a private university with a focus on innovation, Psychology, Education and Aerospace engineering.

All these institutions support higher education, committing to preparing students for a competitive job market and attract students from across Italy and abroad.

Economy & Labour Market

- In 2024, Sicily’s GDP growth was +1,3 %, higher than the national average, demonstrating the dynamism of the island’s economy. Employment growth +1,5%

Key Sectors:
 - Agriculture/ Agribusiness:

  Citrus fruits, olives, grapes, wheat, vegetables, legumes and increasingly exotic crops due to climate shifts.

- Tourism: A major driver, thanks to UNESCO sites, beaches, and gastronomy.

- Public sector & services like information, communication and manufacturing activities: Significant employment source.
 - Emerging sectors: Renewable energy, Innovative Agrifood, Digitalization and Tech innovation,     Cultural industries.

 

Labour stats

Unemployment rate 13,3%
 Strengths & Lifestyle Perks

Cultural richness: Greek temples, Norman cathedrals, Baroque towns.
Affordable living: cities like Catania offer lower costs compared to northern Italy.
Cuisine: famous worldwide for dishes like arancini, cannoli, and fresh seafood.
Natural beauty: Beaches, volcanoes, wonderful archipelagos, and countryside ideal for outdoor living.
Community & rhythm: Strong local identity, slower pace, and warm hospitality.
Climate: Sun-drenched most of the year, ideal for outdoor lifestyles.
 

Regional Public Employment Services in Sicily

Public Employment Services are organized through a regionalized system led by the Regional Labour Department located in Palermo.

Public Employment Services (Servizi Centri per l’Impiego) are located in each provincial capital and provide services also through the 49 local employment centers (Centri per l’Impiego) spread across the island. 

Key Services provided for both Jobseekers and the Employers:

- Ordinary Placement which welcomes all workers.

- Targeted placement for disabled workers and other protected groups.

- Service for Employers dealing directly with employers

- Orientation and career guidance.

- Job matching and placement.

- Initiatives relating to youth policies and implementation of interventions.

- Skills assessment and training (upskilling, reskilling)

- Support for professional mobility through the EURES network with cooperation for accessing EU mobility programs.

- Promotion and support for self-employment and self-enterprise.

- Traineeships and apprenticeships promotion and other services.

All services are free of charge

 

 

 

 

Heiße Jobs

Skills in High Demand

• Skilled workers in metalworking and advanced manufacturing
  • Specialized food industry manufacturing workers
  • Craftsmen and workers specialized in construction
  • Commercial and service sector technicians
  • Personal care services sector workers
  • Operators and employees in catering sector
  • Technicians in mechanics, electronics, engineering and automation