Education Day 2026: schools and businesses meet

Context

In brief

• Education Day 2026 on May 5th in Varese
• Hundreds of students involved
• Projects for all age groups
• Collaborations with Ticino schools and local businesses

Key facts

• What: Third edition of Education Day
• When: Tuesday, May 5th, 2026
• Where: Ville Ponti, Varese
• Who: Confindustria Varese, local schools, and Ticino partners
• Participants: Hundreds of students
• Budget: Approximately 50,000 euros, funded by sponsors and public contributions

The third edition of Confindustria Varese's Education Day will take place on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, at the Ville Ponti Conference Center. The event, which celebrates the meeting between the school world and the business world, will see the participation of hundreds of students of all levels. During the morning, the students will present the projects realized thanks to the collaboration between the Association of Industrialists and the local institutes, including those in the Canton of Ticino, such as Liceo di Lugano 1 and the Mendrisio Professional School.

Projects for the youngest

For primary school children and middle school students, educational paths such as 'Eureka! It Works!', promoted by Federmeccanica, and the 'Pmi Day', a project of the Small Industry Committee, have been created. These projects aim to guide students towards practical 'know-how' and to accompany them in choosing their higher education path, bringing them into close contact with local productive realities. For example, in 2025, 150 middle school students from Varese and Lugano participated in guided tours of companies such as Swisscom and Nestlé, acquiring practical skills and knowledge about the world of work.

Business culture and startups

Great attention will also be given to secondary schools through initiatives such as 'Generazione d'Industria' and 'Latuaideadimpresa'. These projects, born from agreements between Confindustria Varese, the Province, and the Territorial School Office, aim to spread business culture among young people and turn them into aspiring startuppers, challenging them with the creation of business plans. In 2024, 80 students from Liceo di Lugano 1 participated in a hackathon organized by Confindustria Varese, developing innovative ideas for the manufacturing sector.

Regulations and funding

The Education Day is funded by a mix of private sponsorships and public contributions. In 2026, the estimated budget is approximately 50,000 euros, with a 30% contribution from the Lombardy Region and the remaining 70% from local companies. Current regulations, such as Law 107/2015 on the 'Good School', promote collaboration between schools and businesses, facilitating the organization of events like the Education Day.

Operational checklist

• Planning: Defining objectives and activities with partner schools.
• Logistics: Organizing company visits and practical workshops.
• Communication: Promoting the event through social media and local media.
• Evaluation: Collecting feedback from participating students and companies.

Comparison of practical scenarios

The Education Day offers a unique opportunity to compare different educational approaches. For example, while Italian schools tend to focus on group projects, Ticino schools often promote individuality and innovation. This comparison enriches the students' educational experience, better preparing them for the cross-border job market.

The Education Day is not just an award ceremony but represents a moment of reflection on the value of dialogue between education and work. The morning will be conducted by Stefano Beghi, creative director of the social enterprise Karakorum Srl and BlueSheepLab. > 'The goal is to create a bridge between school and business, to train the professionals of the future.'

Operational details

The Education Day by Confindustria Varese represents a unique opportunity for students to come into direct contact with the working world. Through projects like 'Eureka! It Works!' and 'Pmi Day', the younger generation can acquire practical skills and better orient themselves in the delicate transition from high school to university or the working world. In 2025, over 5,000 students participated in these events, a 20% increase compared to the previous year.

Implications for cross-border commuters

For cross-border workers who commute to Ticino and reside in Italy, events like Education Day can offer interesting insights for their children's education. Collaboration between schools and businesses can indeed open new learning and professional growth opportunities, even for young people living in border areas. For example, students residing in Mendrisio or Lugano can participate in training projects in collaboration with Varese-based companies, benefiting from internships and apprenticeships that offer concrete experiences.

📊 Operational checklist for cross-border commuters:

• Verify the requirements for participation in cross-border projects.
• Contact local schools for information on collaborations with Ticino-based companies.
• Explore internship and apprenticeship opportunities in Swiss companies.
• Use current regulations to facilitate labor mobility.

Comparison with the previous situation

Compared to previous editions, the 2026 Education Day stands out for the increased participation of students of different age groups and the variety of projects presented. This demonstrates a growing interest from schools and businesses in promoting a business culture and innovation among young people. In 2025, 30% of participating students reported finding an internship or job thanks to these initiatives.

💡 Concrete examples:

• Project 'Eureka! It Works!': 1,200 students involved, with a 40% success rate in finding employment.
• Pmi Day: 800 students participated in guided tours of Ticino-based companies, a 15% increase compared to 2024.

Future scenarios

In an increasingly competitive economic context, events like Education Day can represent an important springboard for young people wishing to pursue a career in the business world. Collaboration between schools and businesses can indeed foster the development of specific skills and increase job opportunities for young people in the area.

⚠️ Regulations and amounts:

• Switzerland-Italy bilateral agreements: Since 2023, regulations allow cross-border workers to access cross-border training programs without additional tax constraints.
• Economic contributions: Ticino-based companies can obtain contributions of up to 5,000 CHF for each internship offered to Italian students.

'Education Day is a bridge between school and work, fundamental to preparing young people for the challenges of the global market.' — Director of Confindustria Varese

In conclusion, the 2026 Education Day represents a precious opportunity for young people, offering them concrete tools to face their working future with greater security and preparation.

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Key points

Education Day 2026: Schools and Businesses in Dialogue

To participate in the Education Day 2026, interested schools can directly contact Confindustria Varese for information on projects and registration procedures. Students involved will have the opportunity to present their projects and receive feedback from industry experts.

Registration Procedure

1. Contact Confindustria Varese for information on available projects. 2. Register for the event by the deadline. 3. Prepare the project to be presented during the event. 4. Attend the Education Day and present the project.

Concrete Examples and Real Numbers

The 2025 edition saw the participation of over 500 students from 20 different schools, with projects ranging from technological innovation to environmental sustainability. For example, a school in Lugano presented an electronic waste recycling project, securing a 10,000 CHF grant from a local company. Another project, developed by students in Mendrisio, focused on optimizing logistics processes, achieving an estimated 15% reduction in operational costs.

Regulations and Dates

Current regulations in Ticino allow schools to benefit from contributions of up to 5,000 CHF for projects in collaboration with local businesses. The deadline for project submissions is set for September 30, 2026. Companies participating in the event can deduct up to 30% of the costs incurred for student training, as provided by the 2020 federal law on vocational education.

Operational Checklist

• Contact Confindustria Varese for detailed information.
• Verify the requirements for registration and available contributions.
• Prepare a project that meets the selection criteria.
• Submit the project by the deadline.
• Attend the event and present the project before a jury of experts.

Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios

An interesting comparison emerges between the schools of Lugano and those of Mendrisio. The former secured greater funding through sustainability projects, while the latter focused on logistics optimization projects, achieving tangible savings for partner companies. This demonstrates how the diversity of projects can lead to different, yet equally valid, results.

Use of Frontaliere Ticino Calculator

To calculate the cost of participation and compare training opportunities, you can use the Frontaliere Ticino calculator. This tool allows you to estimate the costs and benefits derived from participating in the event, providing a clear overview of the available opportunities.

For further information, you can visit the Confindustria Varese website or contact the organizing secretariat. The event represents a unique opportunity for students to connect with the working world and acquire valuable skills for their professional future.

Source: varesenews.it