Simest, the Italy-based international trade financing arm of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, has wrapped up its first national youth training program on export and global markets, directly engaging over 340 high school students from 16 institutes across the country. The initiative aims to equip Italy's next generation with the skills to compete in international markets and build careers in export-oriented sectors.
Why This Matters
• 88 industry experts have provided direct mentoring to students aged 16-19 at technical schools in Rome, Milan, Turin, Naples, and nine other cities.
• The training culminated with an interactive showcase where more than 100 Roman students participated in hands-on business simulations focused on SME export strategies.
• Italy's SMEs account for the bulk of export value, yet many lack dedicated internationalization staff—this program aims to build that talent pipeline.
• The initiative positions young Italians to pursue internationally-focused careers while remaining rooted in Italy's business ecosystem.
The Made4Export Model
Made4Export rolled out nationwide after a December pilot involving two schools. By the program's close, it had expanded to institutions in Rome (4 schools), Milan, Ancona, Crema, Cremona, Brindisi, Lecce, Turin, Cosenza, Naples, Treviso, and Chieti. The formula is straightforward: classroom workshops, business game simulations, and direct exposure to Simest professionals who guide students through the mechanics of taking a small or medium enterprise into foreign markets.
The curriculum is divided into four competence tracks. At the showcase event, dedicated stands allowed students to rotate through modules on positive corporate culture, internationalization pathways, turning ideas into ventures with Simest backing, and financial literacy. Each module was staffed by working export finance specialists, not academics—a deliberate choice to ground the training in real-world deal flow and regulatory constraints.
According to Regina Corradini D'Arienzo, Simest's managing director, "Investing in the training of young people means investing in Italy's future ability to compete in international markets." The program reflects a broader concern among Italy's trade promotion agencies: building a pipeline of internationally literate managers and entrepreneurs is essential for sustaining the country's export-driven economy.
What This Means for Residents
For families and educators, the program offers a concrete pathway to international careers. Rather than viewing global opportunity as a choice between staying in Italy or leaving, Made4Export introduces a practical alternative: joining an Italian SME's expansion team. Italy's small and medium enterprises are the backbone of export activity, yet many lack dedicated internationalization staff. Students who complete the Simest training can slot directly into those roles, building international expertise while remaining engaged with Italy's business community.
The Interactive Showcase Format
The showcase brought together students from participating technical institutes. Unlike a traditional career fair, the event was structured as a series of interactive labs. Each stand presented a case study: a fictional PMI seeking to enter a specific foreign market. Students worked in teams to identify regulatory hurdles, financing options, logistics partners, and go-to-market strategies. Simest advisers circulated to provide real-time feedback, often sharing insights from actual client engagements.
The format is designed to compress practical learning into accessible sessions. For teachers, the benefit is clear—technical institutes often struggle to bridge the gap between theoretical economics curricula and the practical demands of international trade. The Simest partnership supplies both content and credibility.
Institutional Backing and Future Expansion
The program is a flagship initiative for Simest and its parent, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti. Vittorio de Pedys, Simest's president, noted that the program reflects a commitment to "opening up to young people and focusing on their future career prospects in international markets."
That language signals a possible multi-year rollout. While the first edition has concluded, the infrastructure—school partnerships, expert rosters, simulation tools—is now in place for potential annual iterations. Whether the program expands to include vocational schools, universities, or specialized trade academies will depend on budget allocation and institutional priorities. For now, technical institutes remain the core target, reflecting their traditional role as feeders for Italy's manufacturing and logistics sectors.
Next Steps for Students and Schools
Technical institutes interested in joining future editions can contact Simest's corporate social responsibility division. For students who participated in the first cohort, the next logical step is either a university Master in export management or an internship with a Simest client firm. Several participating schools have already integrated the program's business game simulations into their standard economics curricula, ensuring continuity beyond the pilot year.
Career counselors should recognize that export-focused roles open pathways to internationally-engaged work while building ties to Italy's SME sector—positioning young professionals at the intersection of domestic entrepreneurship and global markets.
