The Specialists of the National Electricity Grid

The challenges raised by the dual transition, energy and digital, are profoundly transforming the electricity sector. Terna, in collaboration with the Polytechnic Universities of Bari, Milan and Turin, has developed the Level II Master’s programme in “Innovation in electrical systems for energy”. “Poliba Chronicle” interviewed Massimo La Scala, professor at the Polytechnic University of Bari and scientific coordinator of the master’s programme

15 July 2026

On 9 June, the second edition of the Level II Master’s programme, “Innovation in electrical systems for energy”, was presented at the Polytechnic University of Bari. A national master’s programme, supported and funded by Terna SpA with the participation and academic-scientific support of the three Italian Polytechnic Universities of Bari, Milan and Turin (PoliTechLab). Subsequently, on 16 June and 2 July, the initiative was presented at the Polytechnic Universities of Milan and Turin.

Prof. Massimo La Scala is the scientific coordinator of the Master’s programme for the Bari campus Polytechnic University. “Poliba Chronicle”, the official magazine of Poliba, interviewed him.

Professor the topic of energy is increasingly relevant, essential. Research, education, and updating become indispensable why?

The energy transition is one of the most important and strategic challenges of our time. The growing demand for energy, the need to accelerate decarbonization, the integration of renewable sources, and the development of electric grids that are increasingly intelligent and digitalized are profoundly transforming the energy sector, making new skills and highly qualified professionals indispensable.

In this context, research, education, and continuous updating represent fundamental levers to accompany change and respond to the needs of a constantly evolving market. It is from this awareness that the second edition of the university Level II Master’s programme “Innovation in electrical systems for energy” was born, a high-level training path designed to prepare professionals capable of facing the technological, environmental, and industrial challenges of the future. The Master’s programme is developed by Terna within the network of the three Polytechnic Universities of Bari, Milan and Turin to promote new specialist skills for the energy and digital transition.

The Master’s programme is an invitation, but also a highly professionalizing opportunity with employment prospects for graduates. Why?

The Master’s programme is aimed at master’s degree graduates who wish to acquire specialist skills that can be immediately applied in the world of work. It does not represent only an opportunity for academic deepening, but a truly highly professionalizing path, capable of combining solid scientific foundations with practical applications. Through lectures, laboratory activities, and discussion with industry experts, participants will develop advanced skills in the design, management, and innovation of electrical systems for energy.

Upon completion of the Master’s programme, participants will be awarded a Master’s degree jointly issued by the three Polytechnics and will be able to work in the electricity sector as: Plant Engineer (specialist in plants and technologies); Asset Manager (specialist in asset management); Power Systems Engineer (specialist in the real-time operation of power systems); Market Operator (specialist in energy markets and energy regulation).

At the time of enrolment, Terna will provide all selected candidates with a letter of commitment to hire them on a permanent contract, to be confirmed at the end of the training programme. Employment may take place within different offices located across the national territory, including the Bari office.

How will the teaching plan of the second edition be structured?

The second edition confirms the teaching approach that characterized the success of the first edition, strengthening its distinctive features and updating the content in light of the rapid evolution of the sector. The training plan will explore the most innovative technologies applied to electrical systems for energy and the most advanced solutions for intelligent energy management. The aim is to provide interdisciplinary training capable of combining research, technological innovation, and practical applications.

Will there be any changes compared to the first edition?

Compared to the first edition, the Master’s program is further enriched by the experience gained and by ongoing engagement with developments in the energy sector. The program has been updated to address new market needs and to provide participants with increasingly up-to-date tools, strengthening the dialogue between university, research, and industry through the involvement of Terna experts and the professional community represented by lecturers, researchers, and experts who work daily in innovation processes within the energy sector.

Does the candidate’s choice of location have only logistical-geographical value?

The decision to structure the Master’s program across three locations also has a significance that goes well beyond the logistical aspect. It is a design choice that enriches the training pathway by integrating scientific expertise, teaching methodologies, laboratories, and professional skills. Each location contributes its own specific strengths to the creation of a unified and interdisciplinary educational offering, enabling participants to engage with different approaches to the study and innovation of electrical systems for energy.

This organisation promotes a broader and more dynamic learning experience, in which dialogue among lecturers, researchers, professionals and participants becomes an integral part of the programme. The presence of participants from different educational backgrounds in fact encourages the exchange of skills, ongoing comparison and the building of a network of qualified relationships. The networking developed during the Master represents added value that is intended to continue beyond the end of the programme, fostering future professional collaborations.

The profile

The Master’s program will train professionals who will be called upon to build and manage the National Electricity Grid. Potential applicants are those who have obtained, or will obtain by next 31 October, a master’s or specialist degree in: Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Energy and Nuclear Engineering, Automation Engineering, Management Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering. To participate, candidates must submit their application by 8 September (https://www.polimi.it/index.php?id=1138). Subsequently, on 2 October, they will take a technical and cultural assessment test administered by the Master’s Scientific Committee. The test will take place in person at one of the Polytechnic universities of their choice. This will be followed by an interview conducted by Terna. Forty-five candidates will be admitted, evenly distributed among the three Polytechnic universities (15 for each university). The training program provides for the attainment of 60 University Educational Credits (CFU), equivalent to 1,500 total hours divided between lectures, exercises, and a project work. The program is structured into 10 teaching modules with a final project work. During the one-year duration of the Master’s program, supplementary in-depth seminars and visits to Terna facilities will be organized, with the aim of further enriching the educational experience. The participation costs for the Master’s program, for all admitted candidates, will be entirely covered by Terna. In addition, they will also be awarded scholarships of €19,000, likewise funded by Terna. Finally, Terna will cover the travel and accommodation expenses necessary for attending classes held jointly. The Master’s program is scheduled to begin on 24 November 2026.

The article The Specialists of the National Electricity Grid comes from Poliba Chronicle.