In December 2024, two local workshops were successfully implemented in Italy as part of the Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands: Employment and Entrepreneurship project. Organised by Istituto Universitario Carolina Albasio, the workshops focused on testing the project’s toolkit through a combination of online and in-person learning formats.
The workshops took place on 5 and 17 December, engaging more than 40 participants from diverse backgrounds. The first session was held online via Microsoft Teams, while the second took place in Castellanza, Italy, allowing participants to benefit from both digital and face-to-face learning environments.
The activities were designed to strengthen key competences related to employability and entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on networking, communication, and creative problem-solving. During the online session, participants explored effective networking strategies, learning how to build professional relationships and present themselves confidently. Through role-playing and interactive exercises, they practiced these skills in realistic scenarios, including a dynamic “networking speed dating” activity.
The second workshop expanded on these foundations, with a strong focus on communication and innovation.
Participants developed leadership communication skills such as active listening, public speaking, and conflict resolution through practical role-play exercises. Creative thinking was further enhanced through a design sprint activity, where participants worked in teams to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
Entrepreneurial thinking was encouraged through engaging activities such as pitching creative ideas for everyday objects, helping participants strengthen their ability to present and market concepts effectively. Throughout both sessions, participants collaborated closely, exchanged ideas, and reflected on their learning experiences.
Feedback collected after the workshops confirmed a high level of satisfaction among participants, particularly in relation to the trainers’ expertise, clarity of delivery, and the practical relevance of the activities. Participants especially appreciated group brainstorming and interactive discussions, highlighting the value of hands-on learning approaches.
These workshops in Italy represent an important step in validating the project’s toolkit, demonstrating its effectiveness in real learning environments. The insights gathered will contribute to further refining the materials, ensuring they meet the needs of both young people and educators, and support the development of essential skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
