Try the experience of making to save and innovate traditional skills

Carpenters, glass-makers, metalworkers, upholsterers. And the list goes on. Italy has always been the cradle of artisanal skills, which synthesizing creativity and manual ability have given rise to a myriad of companies that turn the ideas of architects all over the world into reality. But this excellence has not prevented the gradual disappearance of various skills, often due to the lack of young people with professional training interested in this area.

This lack of candidates is an obstacle for companies. It can be noted that it is becoming increasingly difficult for companies to find candidates, in particular specialized operators and artisans. The Altagamma report highlights the fact that in Italy over 50% of companies have experienced difficulty in recruiting trained professional profiles, both for the lack of interest in artisanal careers and for the low level of training in those interested. It is clear that artisanal trades are looked down upon in Italy as they are often associated with repetitive work activities, uninspiring workplaces and low salaries. This perception, caused by incorrect communication towards young people and families, can only discourage new recruits, thus blocking the transition to the next generation in the area of production. The study carried out by Altagamma for Unioncamere estimates that in the next 4 years the furniture and interior design sector will require 46,000 new workers to keep up with the post-Covid recovery. It is clear how vital it is for Italian manufacturing companies to help regenerate the production chain by encouraging the new generations to discover these professions, which as we will see are constantly evolving.

More than just makers. If the younger generations see a career in production as just assembly lines, in the real world it is constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated. There is also a growing trend towards ever more digital technology and sustainability. This evolution is based on the combination of the traditional skills of senior makers with the spirit of innovation of the new recruits which is essential for future survival. These new specialized skills are an opportunity for young people interested in building a career as a maker.

Services and a shared purpose to attract the younger generations. If the world of production is buzzing with activity, so are the young people entering the work-force for the first time. The so-called “Generation Z” is the first generation of digital natives, and the first generation since the Great Depression and the second World War to experience an international event with such devastating effects for education and employment. Generation Z, even more than the millennials before it, shows a marked difference from previous generations due to its inclusiveness, its care for physical and mental wellbeing and quality of life, and especially for its desire to help change the world. The expectations of this generation lead to an interest in work and life choices which have meaning and which place higher values before economic and professional considerations. Involving and motivating these generations is the challenge that awaits companies in the near future.

Zordan Academy. The experience of making.

The lack of candidates for the production department is a problem that endangers not only the survival of those artisanal skills that are an Italian cultural heritage, but also the survival of whole industrial sectors based on them. Zordan has been strongly affected by this lack, with the necessity to organize the replacement of several key figures in the production area who are near retirement. The idea of bringing young people to the artisanal world led to the creation of the Zordan Academy, which this week saw the launch of its second edition.

This is a totally free course which is open to young people between the ages of 19 and 26 with a technical high-school diploma. The course took place over three weeks in the 2021 edition while in 2021 it was in the form of a three-day workshop, but in both cases it was aimed at giving young people a taste of the work “behind the scenes in the world of luxury” and selecting the new members of the team.

This initiative is aimed at putting artisanal skills in the spotlight to help young people discover their importance in companies and in society and the opportunities and inspiration they offer.

The 2021 Academy finished with an unexpectedly positive result – in fact four of the twelve participants were hired in the company. Three of them are currently preparing to go to the US branch for three months to improve their English and transmit in their turn the skills they learned during their year’s apprenticeship in Italy.

Schools: a bridge between knowledge and application

Schools, families and companies. These are the three players responsible for shaping the world of work, and therefore the society, of the future. The relationship between schools and companies is becoming ever more important due to the rapid changes taking place in the world of work brought about by technological innovation and economic and social change. For this reason we believe that the Zordan Academy is just the beginning of a journey, a first step to create a quality training program that satisfies a real need in the business community and at the same time helps to reinforce the skills and values of younger members of the local community.

With the launch of the second edition of the Zordan Academy we are looking for technical schools interested in involving final-year students in our story.

To take up this opportunity for your school contact us at: [email protected]