Publishing date: 6 November 2026 Immagine notizia Immagine Paragrafo The University of Insubria hosted the press conference presenting Young 2026 this morning. The event was led by Marco Galimberti, President of the Lariofiere Foundation, in the presence of Regional Councillor Alessandro Fermi and Rector Maria Cristina Pierro. The education and careers fair, aimed at secondary school students, will take place in Erba from 12 to 14 November. The University of Insubria will be present with a large exhibition space showcasing its degree programmes, services and opportunities.The organisers' press release follows.-----YOUNG 2026: FROM SCHOOL TO WORK, A JOURNEY TO DISCOVER FUTURE OPPORTUNITIESEducational guidance, universities, ITS Academies, businesses and workshops: from 12 to 14 November, the fair connecting young people, education providers and the business community returns to Lariofiere.YOUNG 2026: from school to work, a journey to discover future opportunities. Educational guidance, universities, ITS Academies, businesses and workshops: from 12 to 14 November, the fair connecting young people, education providers and the business community returns to Lariofiere.Choosing a secondary school, deciding which path to follow after graduation, discovering the most in-demand professions and the skills needed to navigate a constantly evolving labour market. These are different but closely connected stages that accompany young people as they build their future.It is precisely this continuity between education, guidance and employment that lies at the heart of Young 2026, the national fair dedicated to educational guidance, training, higher education and employment. The event will take place from 12 to 14 November at Lariofiere in Erba and was presented this morning in the Aula Magna of the University of Insubria's Como campus.The event aims to provide a meeting place for students, families, schools, universities, ITS Academies, training organisations, companies and institutions. It offers an opportunity to explore the options available, learn more about different educational pathways and acquire useful tools for making informed decisions."For the third consecutive year, my department will actively support Lariofiere, both through financial contributions and by ensuring that all Lombardy universities are represented at Young. This is an event I have always supported, and I also helped establish it when I was a provincial councillor. I firmly believe that choosing a school is important not only in educational terms but also for the entire lives of these young people, and that this decision comes at perhaps the most delicate stage of their development. For this reason, thanks to the relationships I have built with all the universities in Lombardy, I have worked over the past two years to ensure that they would all be present. This year, I am particularly pleased that Artificial Intelligence will also be discussed, as it falls within my responsibilities in the Lombardy Region. Just last week, the Regional Council approved legislation that I strongly advocated for and which, for the first time in our Region, addresses AI. I believe it is essential to pay attention to what is happening in schools in this field," comments the Regional Councillor for Universities, Research and Innovation.Finding your direction means learning how to choose. One of the most delicate moments in young people's development is choosing their upper secondary school. At Young, lower secondary school students and their families can explore the different options available: academic high schools, technical institutes, vocational institutes and vocational education and training programmes.Speaking directly with education providers allows students and families to gain a better understanding of the characteristics and opportunities offered by each pathway, moving beyond general information to assess which options best match individual interests, abilities and aptitudes.Educational guidance therefore becomes an opportunity not only to explore different school options but also to discover personal inclinations and the opportunities offered by the education system."The world of education has an important responsibility: to help young people understand a transformation that concerns not only the professions of the future but also the ways we learn, work and interact with others. Understanding artificial intelligence, recognising its potential and, above all, developing the critical thinking skills needed to use it appropriately will be essential. We cannot simply prepare young people for today's jobs: we must help them develop the skills and tools to face professions that probably do not yet exist. In this process, collaboration between schools, universities and businesses is indispensable," explains President Marco Galimberti.After graduation, many possible paths. Young also dedicates space to upper secondary school students who must decide whether to continue their education or enter the world of work. Italian and international universities, ITS Academies, academies and training organisations present an overview of the opportunities available after graduation."Choosing a course of study is a fundamental step in young people's lives, one that cannot be separated from their passions, inclinations, expectations and desire to discover their professional vocation. The support offered by the University of Insubria goes beyond presenting degree programmes and career opportunities. It also takes into account the uncertainties associated with entering a new environment, giving young people the time and tools they need to make informed choices," continues Maria Pierro, Rector of the University of Insubria.Particular attention is given to ITS Academies, advanced technological training programmes that enable students to acquire specialised skills through direct collaboration with businesses. These programmes offer an opportunity for those wishing to combine technical education, practical experience and career prospects.Alongside these pathways, students can explore university programmes, speak directly with university representatives and learn more about different academic disciplines, including international study opportunities.The aim is to demonstrate that there is no single path after graduation: everyone can identify the route that best matches their aspirations.Businesses meet the professionals of tomorrow. Young also provides a direct link to the business community. The presence of companies allows young people to discover the economic sectors and professions that characterise the labour market, from information technology to mechanics, automation and electronics, from energy to logistics, and from large-scale retail to manufacturing industries.Meeting businesses offers an opportunity to understand which skills are in demand, learn about the characteristics of different professions and become familiar with business culture.At a time of profound transformation, marked by digitalisation and the introduction of artificial intelligence into production processes, dialogue between education providers and businesses has become strategically important. Companies need professionals who can continuously update their skills, while young people need opportunities to explore career options and develop both technical and transferable skills. Young encourages this exchange by creating opportunities for dialogue and collaboration between schools and the world of work."Artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming the world of work and, consequently, education as well. It is essential that young people learn to understand and use these tools while developing critical thinking, creativity and human skills. As a Chamber of Commerce, we are committed to encouraging dialogue between schools and businesses so that educational and career guidance can help new generations move towards the professions and skills required by the labour market. YOUNG represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen this connection," says Antonio Pozzi, Member of the Board of the Como-Lecco Chamber of Commerce, responsible for Educational Guidance, Training and Human Capital.Learning by doing: workshops and practical experiences. Alongside meetings and guidance activities, Young offers practical workshops and sessions designed to introduce participants to different professional fields. From mechanics to information technology, from graphics and design to fashion and food, from automation to electrical engineering, and across healthcare, wellness, agriculture and project development, students can explore a wide range of disciplines and activities.Hands-on experimentation is an important tool for those who have yet to identify their interests or wish to explore a particular field in greater depth. Trying out activities, discovering tools and technologies, and engaging with professionals and trainers helps transform information into experience and provides a clearer understanding of the characteristics of different professions.The programme also includes sessions dedicated to talent development, digital skills, psychological and digital well-being, and the abilities needed to navigate a constantly evolving environment.An ecosystem of opportunities for new generations. By bringing together schools, universities, ITS Academies, training organisations, businesses and institutions, Young connects the different stages that accompany young people from education to entering the world of work.It is not simply a place to gather information, but a space where participants can exchange ideas, experiment and discover new possibilities. At a time when professions are changing, skills are evolving and technologies are opening up new scenarios, providing young people with the tools to find their direction means helping them face change with greater awareness."An education and careers fair such as Young plays an important role in enabling young people and their families to gain a concrete understanding of the opportunities available to them. Choosing an educational pathway or imagining one's professional future is not always easy: it requires information, opportunities for discussion and the chance to engage directly with those working in education and business. Our role at Lariofiere is precisely to create this meeting space, bringing together different skills, experiences and perspectives. Helping young people make more informed choices means contributing to building their future and, at the same time, the future of our local community."This is Young's mission: to connect the worlds of education and business, enhance individual potential and promote a culture of informed educational and career guidance.