A framework agreement was signed today in Rome between Unioncamere, Confindustria Moda, and Confindustria Accessori Moda, with the aim of strengthening and expanding collaboration between the chamber of commerce system and the industrial sector in skills training and the transition from school to work in the fashion industry.
The fashion and accessories supply chain represents one of the most significant sectors of Made in Italy in terms of production capacity, regional roots, employment, and international reach: it comprises over 50,000 companies and 500,000 employees.
Precisely to support one of the most representative expressions of Italian manufacturing excellence, Unioncamere, Confindustria Moda, and Confindustria Accessori Moda are strengthening their collaboration toward a shared goal: to reinforce the link between the education system and the Italian fashion production system, helping to reduce the mismatch between labor supply and demand through joint initiatives in research, analysis of professional needs, training, communication, and skills certification.
The agreement, which will run for three years from 2026 to 2028, renews the protocol already signed for the 2022–2025 period and aims to promote joint initiatives that highlight the contribution of each party: on the one hand, the chamber system in assessing needs and providing career guidance services, and on the other, business associations in connecting with production chains.
The signing of this Protocol follows the renewal of the one between Unioncamere and Rete Tam, which sees the network of schools engaged in the design and dissemination of training programs increasingly aligned with the sector’s transformations: the world of education is, in fact, the fourth essential component of the systemic agreement and the network structure that the involved institutions are advancing.
Andrea Prete, President of Unioncamere, stated that – For the chamber system, supporting this initiative means strengthening the link between education and the business world, offering young people practical tools to help them find their way and providing businesses with skills that are truly useful for their growth. Chambers of Commerce have always been committed to analyzing professional needs and matching supply with demand: with this agreement, we renew our commitment to building solid bridges between schools, local communities, and businesses, because the quality of human capital is the primary condition for the country’s competitive development.
Luca Sburlati, President of Confindustria Moda, emphasized that – the renewal of the agreement with Unioncamere is a concrete step toward the future of the Italian fashion industry and is fully in line with the vision of the National Strategic Plan presented by Confindustria Moda and Confindustria Accessori Moda to Parliament just a few days ago. Today, skills and training are crucial to sustaining the future competitiveness of our companies. At a time of crisis for the entire BFF—Bello e Ben Fatto Italiano—it is essential to support generational transition and preserve the manufacturing know-how that makes our supply chain unique. This initiative is part of the broader efforts that our two associations—the voice of the Fashion System within Confindustria—are pursuing together with the Ministry of Education and Merit, building on the Memorandum of Understanding reaffirmed last February with Minister Giuseppe Valditara. We need a cohesive system capable of creating real opportunities for young people and new professional roles that combine creativity, innovation, technical expertise, and digital skills, and it is time to do so in a unified manner as a nation.
Giovanna Ceolini, President of Confindustria Accessori Moda, noted that – strengthening the dialogue between schools and businesses is essential for developing the professional skills the sector requires, especially from a technical standpoint. The competitiveness of Made in Italy stems from our ability to attract new talent and train them with skills suited to today’s challenges. The fashion and accessories sectors are undergoing a profound transformation: we need young people who are well-prepared, curious, and ready to combine manufacturing expertise with technological innovation. Through this agreement, we are working to strengthen the trades of the future, promoting the professional skills that make our manufacturing unique and ensuring the continuity of a heritage that is, above all, human.
