Tech4students day 2025: OMET and CAMA invest in the future of technical training

On January 30, 2025 in Molteno took place the second edition of Tech4Students Day. The event, promoted by OMET and CAMA and organized in collaboration with Confindustria Lecco and Sondrio, aims to bring students closer to the manufacturing industry, showcasing the opportunities and skills required by the industry. The goal is to support young people’s career orientation and training as a strategic lever for the economy’s future, reducing school dropout rates and unemployment.

Between November 2024 and January 2025, as part of Tech4Students Day and PMI DAY – an initiative promoted by Confindustria’s Small Industry division – OMET and CAMA welcomed over 400 students, offering them the opportunity to visit the companies, learn about production activities up close, and meet professionals from various departments. This hands-on experience was designed to spark curiosity and raise awareness among the younger generations about career opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

After the open day, a press conference provided an opportunity for a constructive discussion on the topic, featuring prominent representatives from the industrial, institutional, and educational sectors.

The event was opened by Daniele Bellante, President of CAMA Group, who emphasized the importance of technical skills and human capital in ensuring long-term performance and sustainability in the manufacturing sector: “Even in an increasingly hi-tech world driven by artificial intelligence, it is always people who make the difference. Young people are the future of business value.”

Mauro Piazza, Undersecretary for Autonomy and Relations with the Regional Council of Lombardy, highlighted the importance of initiatives that connect young people with local businesses and announced a new regional app to facilitate interactions between students, families, and companies. Alessandra Hofmann, President of the Province of Lecco, stressed the gap between industry demands and the available workforce, emphasizing the need to invest in career guidance starting from middle school. Mauro Gattinoni, Mayor of Lecco, underlined the role of soft skills in adapting to labor market transformations, stating that flexibility and transversal competencies are key to professional success. He also pointed out that volunteering is an excellent tool for developing these skills.

Raffaele Crippa, Director of ITS Lombardia Meccatronica Academy, discussed the importance of integrating education and the workforce, explaining how post-diploma ITS programs were created to bridge the gap between school and industry. Stefania Palma, Head of the Education Area at Confindustria Lecco and Sondrio, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to education, career guidance, and the support of such initiatives, including the 4+2 education reform, which strengthens the link between education and employment by adding two years of ITS training to technical high schools.

Annalisa Bellante, Vice President of CAMA Group, highlighted the need for companies to become more attractive to young people: “Today’s students are looking for shared values, welfare, and career growth opportunities. Companies must adapt to these needs to remain competitive in the job market, just as they do with their customers.”

Luca Viscardi, journalist and tech communicator, moderated the discussion and presented the results of a survey conducted by OMET and CAMA among students who attended the open days. The survey revealed that 50% of the students interviewed had never had the chance to visit a company before choosing their high school, highlighting the need to expand opportunities for direct interaction between young people and industries.

Regarding this, Antonio Bartesaghi, CEO of OMET, expressed his hope for a wider involvement of local companies in these initiatives, ensuring that more students could meet the industrial world and the career opportunities it offers. “The more companies participate in these open days, the more attractive we become, helping to guide young people towards concrete and fulfilling professional growth paths,” said Bartesaghi.

In closing, Bartesaghi emphasized the importance of being proactive: “Complaining about the lack of skilled workers is not enough; we must create an effective system by involving more companies. It is essential to develop not only technical skills but also soft skills, which are crucial for innovation.”

Tech4Students Day has once again proven to be an important initiative in bridging the gap between education and employment, fostering dialogue between schools and businesses, and driving economic growth through innovation and investment in young talent.