More investment in training The challenge of twin transitions

Of course, more can always be done, notes the president: 'The margins for growth in Lombardy are there and we as the OBR have a role in this, not only in monitoring the use of plans and resources, but also in promoting the opportunities offered. So it is also up to us to stimulate member companies to use the tools available to them'. In 2023 alone, Fondimpresa Lombardy made some 5,700 phone calls and sent out an equal number of emails to publicise its activities. "At a time like the present, when economic scenarios are not fully bright, working on consolidation and professional updating is a must for everyone, entrepreneurs and workers alike," he adds.

An issue that transversally concerns all production sectors, observes Enzo Mesagna, regional secretary of Cisl Lombardia and vice-president Obr Fonfimpresa Lombardia: 'Some sectors are more directly impacted by digital and environmental transitions, such as automotive and textiles, and are struggling to absorb the effects on production of these transformations. But the issue concerns everyone'. The point, according to Mesagna, is to reason together, social partners and institutions, to work out solutions capable of responding 'to a world of work that is changing very quickly, without anyone being left behind. We would like, through the theme of training, to reason on the issue of a sustainability, also social, of the twin transitions, to offer workers a prospect not only of employment, but also of quality employment'. Training, Mesagna points out, 'is one of those elements that strengthen workers, but also our production system: a company that has trained and capable employees acts more strongly in global competition'.

In particular, the support of instruments such as Fondimpresa is aimed at medium-small businesses, which have fewer resources (economic, but also human) to keep up with the changes required by European regulations, which are increasingly stringent in terms of compliance, certification, quality standards, etc.

The topic is very clear to Francesca Orsenigo, Human Resources Manager and co-owner (together with her sister and cousin) of the textile finishing company G.Tosi, founded by her grandfather in Busto Arsizio, who will participate in the event on 3 December: "We are a historical company, specialised in yarn dyeing, which has grown over time by also opening up to digital printing and through the introduction of important technological innovations," explains the entrepreneur. "Continuous training is fundamental, especially that of the front lines, of the managers, who must guide the company's transformations. Although small in size (with 35 employees), G.Tosi works for the most important fashion brands, including foreign ones, and this entails compliance with very high quality standards: 'Unfortunately, it is often the supply chain that has to bear the additional costs, especially of the green and digital transition,' Orsenigo observes. 'We and our suppliers invest a lot in research and laboratory analysis to guarantee the required products, which is not always easy for a small company like ours. This is why our updating, also thanks to projects financed by Fondimpresa, is essential'.