Education Day: 300 students shine in Varese

Context

In brief

• Over 300 students take center stage in Varese
• Central theme: trust
• Eureka projects, Pmi Day, Generazione d'Industria, and Latuaideadimpresa
• Comparison with cross-border work in Ticino

Key facts

• What: Third edition of Confindustria Varese's Education Day
• When: Tuesday, May 5th
• Where: Ville Ponti Congress Center, Varese
• Who: Confindustria Varese and the social enterprise Karakorum
• Amount: Over 300 participating students
• Reference legislation: Switzerland-EU bilateral agreement on the free movement of persons (entered into force on June 1, 2002), with specific provisions for cross-border workers

Over 300 students from primary and secondary schools in the area were the protagonists of the third edition of Confindustria Varese's Education Day, held this morning, Tuesday, May 5th, at the Ville Ponti Congress Center in Varese. A major event organized by the Association of Varese industrialists, together with the social enterprise Karakorum, with the aim of paying tribute to all those young people who have most distinguished themselves within the four projects that Confindustria Varese, together with its associated companies, carries out with schools to cultivate the culture of enterprise in the new generations: the Eureka Project (designed for elementary schools), Pmi Day (for middle schools), the 'Generazione d'Industria' Project, and the Latuaideadimpresa competition (for high schools).

Comparison with cross-border work in Ticino

In an increasingly globalized context, it is interesting to note how cross-border work in Ticino offers opportunities similar to those discussed during the Education Day. According to 2023 data, over 65,000 cross-border workers work in Ticino, with a significant impact on the local economy. For example, in the municipality of Mendrisio alone, 30% of the active population is made up of cross-border workers. This phenomenon has led to greater economic and cultural integration, but also to regulatory challenges. Swiss legislation provides that cross-border workers pay taxes in Switzerland (for new cross-border workers also in Italy, with a tax credit), with rates varying depending on the place of residence. For example, in Lugano, the maximum marginal rate for cross-border workers is 22.5%, while in Chiasso it is 20.8%.

Operational checklist for companies

For companies operating in cross-border contexts, it is fundamental to: 1. Know local regulations: For example, in Ticino, companies must comply with Swiss labor laws, which provide for a minimum wage of 3,568 CHF per month (2023 data). 2. Plan human resources: Consider the additional costs related to worker mobility, such as residence permits and health insurance. 3. Promote cultural integration: Organize team-building activities and intercultural training to foster collaboration among employees of different nationalities.

Concrete examples and real numbers

During the Education Day, students had the opportunity to discuss with experts in the field. For example, Michela Conterno of LATI - Industria Termoplastici in Vedano Olona, illustrated how her company invested over 2 million euros in training and innovation projects in 2023. This investment led to the creation of 50 new jobs, 40% of which were filled by young people under 30.

Comparison of practical scenarios

While cross-border work is still in the development phase in Italy, it is a well-established reality in Ticino. For example, in the municipality of Campione d'Italia, where the official currency is the Swiss franc, 70% of the active population works in Switzerland. This has led to greater economic stability, but also to challenges related to double taxation and the management of work permits.

The central theme of the morning: trust. A value on which young people, entrepreneurs, teachers, and school principals have confronted each other in a journey made of listening, dialogue, and sharing. On one hand, primary school children have given shape to this theme through the creation of a large train built with recycled materials. On the other hand, first and second grade secondary school students, together with adults, participated in a talk marked by questions, answers, and reflections. To serve as a common thread, a single narrative: a story capable of relating different generations, apparently distant, through different but complementary languages.

The protagonists on stage were: Michela Conterno of LATI – Industria Termoplastici di Vedano Olona and Vice President of Confindustria Varese, Massimo Angeloni, Headmaster of ISIS Ponti di Gallarate, and two students from the ITS: Giorgio Bovi, who studies at ITS Meccatronica Lombardia, and Andrea Cagliando, who studies aeronautics at ITS Mobilita Academy.

Conclusion

The Education Day of Confindustria Varese once again demonstrated the importance of investing in new generations and promoting business culture. In an increasingly globalized context, it is fundamental that companies are ready to seize the opportunities offered by cross-border work, but also to manage the challenges that arise. As Michela Conterno pointed out, 'Trust is the basis of every work relationship, both locally and internationally'.

Operational details

Projects and Participants

The Eureka project involved 300 elementary school students who won a national toy construction competition organized by Federmeccanica and locally by the Merchandise Groups of Confindustria Varese for the companies 'Mechanical' and 'Steel, Metallurgical, and Foundry', whose Presidents are Carlo Del Grande and Massimo Garavaglia, respectively. The competition saw the participation of 50 elementary schools from Varese, Cassano Magnago, and neighboring towns such as Induno Olona and Castiglione Olona. The winners of Eureka were Class 5B of G. Pascoli School in Varese with the toy 'The Elevator Race' and Classes 4C and 4D of E. Fermi School in Cassano Magnago with the toy 'Asteroid Catapult'. These projects were evaluated by a jury of 15 industry experts, who considered criteria such as creativity, functionality, and sustainability.

In Ticino, similar projects were carried out with the support of the Department of Education, Culture, and Sport (DECS), which allocated 50,000 Swiss francs in 2023 for educational initiatives related to technological innovation. For example, Lugano 1 Elementary School participated in a similar project, obtaining a grant of 10,000 francs for the purchase of innovative educational materials.

Implications for the Future

Education Day represents an important opportunity for dialogue and collaboration between young people and adults, promoting a culture of enterprise and mutual trust. This type of initiative is fundamental to building bridges between education and industry, bringing together people, skills, and different perspectives. Trust in young people and their abilities, but also in adults, the community, and the territory, is a value that can contribute to creating a more solid and collaborative future.

📊 Operational Checklist for Organizing an Education Day:

• Definition of Objectives (e.g., promoting a culture of enterprise, fostering dialogue between young people and adults).
• Selection of Participating Schools (e.g., 50 elementary schools from Varese and neighboring towns).
• Formation of an Expert Jury (e.g., 15 industry experts).
• Allocation of a Budget (e.g., 50,000 Swiss francs in Ticino).
• Promotion of the Event (e.g., through social media and collaborations with local entities).
• Evaluation of Projects (e.g., creativity, functionality, sustainability).
• Awarding of Winners (e.g., acquisition of innovative educational materials).

💡 Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios:

• Varese vs. Ticino: In Varese, Education Day involved 300 students and saw the participation of 50 elementary schools. In Ticino, the DECS allocated 50,000 Swiss francs for similar projects, with Lugano 1 Elementary School obtaining 10,000 francs for educational materials.
• Regulations and Funding: In Italy, Law 107/2015 (The Good School) introduced funding for innovative educational projects, while in Switzerland, the DECS allocated specific funds for technological innovation in schools.

⚠️ Final Considerations:

'Education Day is not just an event, but an opportunity to build a better future through collaboration and innovation.' – Carlo Del Grande, President of the Merchandise Group of Mechanical Companies of Confindustria Varese.

Education Day represents a successful model that can be replicated in other regions, promoting a culture of enterprise and mutual trust between young people and adults.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

What to do to participate

If you are a student interested in participating in cross-border collaboration projects between Italy and Switzerland, you can contact your school or Confindustria Varese for information on how to enroll in the various programs. Interested schools can collaborate with Confindustria Varese to organize events and similar projects, promoting business culture and cross-border job opportunities among young people.

Operational checklist for students:

• Contact your school counselor for information on available programs.
• Visit the Confindustria Varese website for details on events and projects.
• Attend workshops and seminars to acquire skills useful for the Swiss job market.

Operational checklist for schools:

• Contact Confindustria Varese to organize events and projects.
• Promote business culture and cross-border job opportunities among students.
• Use our salary calculator to estimate career opportunities in Switzerland.

Useful tools

To calculate your salary and better understand career opportunities in Switzerland, use our salary calculator. If you are interested in learning about job opportunities in Switzerland, consult our work permit guide.

Concrete examples:

• A student from a technical institute in Varese participated in a collaboration project with a company in Lugano, gaining a paid work experience of 3,500 CHF for three months.
• Another student from a high school in Mendrisio participated in a collaboration project with a company in Como, gaining a paid work experience of 3,000 CHF for two months.

Regulations and amounts:

• To work in Switzerland, you need to obtain a work permit. The dependent work permit (L) is valid for a determined period and can be renewed. The minimum wage in Ticino is 19.72 CHF per hour for qualified workers.
• For cross-border workers, the minimum wage is 19.72 CHF per hour. The cross-border worker permit (G) is valid for a determined period and can be renewed.

Comparison of practical scenarios:

• Scenario 1: An Italian student working in Switzerland as an apprentice can earn approximately 3,000 CHF per month, with an L work permit.
• Scenario 2: A Swiss student working in Italy as an apprentice can earn approximately 1,000-1,500 CHF per month, with an Italian work permit.

Useful tips:

• 💡 Use our salary calculator to estimate career opportunities in Switzerland.
• 📊 Consult our work permit guide for detailed information on Swiss work permits.
• ⚠️ Make sure you have all the necessary documents to work in Switzerland, such as the work permit and employment contract.

Source: varesenews.it