Don Bosco and the Apprenticeship Contract
(ANS - Turin - May 3, 2026) - May began with the memorial of St. Joseph the Worker, spouse
of the Blessed Virgin Mary and patron of workers. Thru his life as an honest laborer,
St. Joseph ennobles manual labor, by which he provides for his Holy Family and
plays his part in the plan of salvation.
The theme of work was particularly dear to Don Bosco, who in
his lifetime was a pioneer in devising an educational system that offered not
only schooling but also vocational formation and the protection of young
people’s rights.
In the 19th century, a period marked by profound economic
and social transformations due to the Industrial Revolution, the living and
working conditions of young workers were extremely harsh. Don Bosco realized
that many young workers were exploited and deprived of their rights.
Thus, to offer greater protection, he drew up one of the
first apprenticeship contracts in history. The first agreement dates back to
November 1851 and was signed by a glassmaker, Carlo Aimino, and young Giuseppe
Bordone. In this document, the glassmaker undertook to teach the young man his
craft for 3 years, guaranteeing him adequate formation for the work, weekly
rest, summer holidays, a progressive wage, and respect for his person.
A few months later, in 1852, Don Bosco drew up another
document setting out the rights and duties of both the young apprentice and the
employer. This “apprenticeship contract” was similar to the previous one, but
was written on 4 pages of stamped paper. This time it concerned a carpenter’s
apprentice, Giuseppe Odasso, hired for 2 years by Giuseppe Bertolino.
In a constantly changing world, the Salesian model remains,
even today, an extraordinary example of how school and work can be tools for
human and professional growth.
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