FESPA Italia support Athena’s young people initiative

FESPA Italia supposed Athena’s initative that was launched in May 2024, which offered students from ITIS Istituto Tecnico Industrial Statale Michela Mariano in Poliestena, Italy the opportunity for the students to learn the role that printing plays today. This initiative proved that a successful partnership between companies and educational institutions can provide opportunities for young people and potential career paths.

The printing industry is half a century old and is respected for its rich and important history. However, it is an industry that struggles to recruit younger people. According to FESPA, the average age of its workers is 43 years old, while data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the average employee in the printing sector is 47 years old.

It is evident that the sector needs to make efforts to encourage and introduce new talent to ensure its longevity and survival. In order to achieve this, it must address several challenges.

One challenge is overcoming the misconception that printing is a declining and technically outdated industry, when in fact, sectors such as packaging, personalisation and textiles (to name just a few) are very vibrant. Overall,  research and development and technology are highly innovative.

Another significant challenge in Italy is that there is decline of young people, job insecurity and gender inequality. According to "Young People 2024: The Report of a Generation," a report published by EURES for the National Youth Council and the Italian Youth Agency, Italy has lost over a fifth of its young people (nearly 3.5 million) in 20 years. The country has become the last in Europe in terms of the presence of under-35s.


Nearly 18,000 young graduates decided to emigrate in 2021, a 281% increase compared to 2011. Territorial disparities is also a factor. Southern Italy have recorded significantly higher youth unemployment rates compared to the North, with the average annual salary of young workers being significantly lower.

Athena's initiative was launched last May which was supported by FESPA Italia Association. Marino Fusco is one of the founders as well as a board member. The printing company was founded in 2007 in a rural area, Gioia Tauro. Under the leadership of entrepreneurs Fusco and Giuseppe Versace, it has transformed from a small print shop into an industry that currently has 32 employees and a turnover of 3 million euros, in a 5000 sqm production site.

In an era where technological innovation and creativity plays a crucial role, the company decided to welcome a group of students to an initiative titled "Paint Your Career by Building Your Future!". This initiative combined education and professional opportunities. It was created from the collaboration between the company and the ITIS Istituto Tecnico Industriale Statale Michele Maria Milano in Polistena. It aims to show young people a possible career path and attract new talent to the printing sector.

Athena has a long tradition of excellence in producing high-quality printed materials, with digital technologies for large and small formats. With a solid history, it is a reference point in the sector, not only for the quality of its products but also for its continuous commitment to technological innovation and environmental sustainability.

During the visit, the students had the opportunity to explore the various departments of the company, from graphic design to production, from the management of printing machines to logistics. Each stage of the tour provided detailed explanations by the company's employees, who shared their experiences and expertise. This sharing of knowledge allowed students to understand the techniques and technologies used in the printing process. Students also learned about the role of printing in modern society and the importance of teamwork and creativity in overcoming daily challenges.

One of the most crucial moments of the visit was when the students met the professionals from the Graphic Industry involved in the initiative, who discussed the various aspects of the profession in this industry. 2 representatives of brands that use printing in their in-store communication: Domenico Moretto, CEO of Ca.Re srl PRG Group spa (Prenatal group) and Danilo Chiarella, layout display and merchandising Manager of Gruppo AZ were present. In addition, professionals from the technology and machine production world: Massimo Costa, Sales Manager, and Franco Vaccina, Technical assistance from Agfa, along with Francesco Sorrentino from IPRINT, who explained how digital printing technology works and its possible applications. Giovanbattista Mele, Key Account Manager at Elitron, explained the finishing technologies that enable printing to become a final product. Simona Prochilo, the school principal, and Valentina Carnevali, representing FESPA Italia, also participated, with the latter representing the interests of specialist printers and Marino Fusco actively participating as a member of the Board of Directors.

"Our goal," stated Fusco, CEO of Athena, "is to show young people that printing is not just a technical job, but an art that requires passion, dedication, and a constant desire to innovate. We want to encourage young people to perceive this sector as a rewarding and stimulating career."

The students also had the opportunity to experience hands-on examples of various types of printing applications, prepared specifically for them to show them the creativity possible today with printing and digital finishing. This hands-on experience resulted in great enthusiasm from the students and provided them with a preview of what it means to work in the printing sector.

The collaboration between Athena and the local school does not end with this visit. The company has announced its plan to start an internship program and other visits for the students, offering them the chance to acquire practical skills directly in the field. This program not only represents an important opportunity for professional growth for students but also strengthens the connection between education and the labor market, creating a bridge that can facilitate the entry of young people into the workforce.

In conclusion, Athena's initiative demonstrates how a successful collaboration between companies and educational institutions can provide concrete opportunities for young people, guiding them towards professional paths that combine passion and competence. In a constantly evolving world, these experiences can make a difference, inspiring new generations to actively contribute to the economic and cultural development of the territory.