(ANS – Turin) – The journey toward the 2026 National Exhibition of Masterpieces begins in Valdocco, the heart of the Salesian tradition. An unprecedented dialogue among institutions, education, and business — with the participation of the Lavazza Group and Confindustria — aims to rediscover young people as a strategic resource for the country.

The launch event for the 2026 edition of the National Exhibition of Masterpieces of the Professional Sectors will take place at the Teatro Grande Valdocco (Via Sassari 28), inside the Salesian Motherhouse. The initiative celebrates the educational excellence and talent of students in Salesian vocational training, focusing on this year’s central theme: “Generating Value: Shaping the Future, Embracing Every Talent.”

Scheduled for February 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the event represents a key moment of dialogue between education and the world of work, with more than 110 companies from various professional sectors expected to attend.

Following opening remarks by Fr. Leonardo Mancini, Provincial of the Salesians of Piedmont, Valle d’Aosta, and Lithuania; Alberto Cirio, President of the Piedmont Region; and Stefano Lo Russo, Mayor of Turin, Fr. Giuliano Giacomazzi, Director General of the CNOS-FAP ETS Foundation, will officially open the proceedings, launching the day in an innovative format.

The highlight of the morning will be a discussion moderated by Alfonso Balsamo, Education Consultant for Confindustria, structured as an engaging “coffee conversation,” inspired by Don Bosco’s historic “coffee diplomacy.” Fr. Fabio Attard, Rector Major of the Salesians, and Alessandra Bianco, Director of Institutional Communication at the Lavazza Group, will reflect on the central theme.

The discussion, titled “Generating Value: Shaping the Future, Embracing Every Talent,” will explore three key areas emerging from current social and market needs:
– the “new” human capital: the importance of soft skills and ethics alongside technical competencies;
– inclusion as strategy: how valuing vulnerability and unexpected talents can become a competitive and sustainability advantage for companies;
– alliance for the future: the need for joint training planning between training centers and businesses to bridge the gap between labor supply and demand.

“The goal is to make it clear that young people are the true wealth of the future. Inclusion and training are strategic levers for business,” said Fabrizio Tosti, Director of Training and Innovation at CNOS-FAP ETS. Fr. Attard and Alessandra Bianco will address how “the future is created today,” transforming the perception of young people from a problem into an essential resource for the nation.

During the event, which will also include testimonials from students and partner companies, scholarships donated by Cambielli S.p.A. will be awarded. Matteo Dittadi, National Representative for the Graphics Sector, will then officially present the 2026 Exhibition of Masterpieces, the annual event in which students from Salesian vocational training programs showcase the skills they have acquired through the development of concrete projects.

Launched in 2008, the initiative revives a tradition begun by Don Bosco in the 19th century, when he organized exhibitions to highlight his students’ work and skills. Today, the Exhibition of Masterpieces is not only a showcase but also an important formative assessment and a strategic link between the education system and the world of work.

In the Salesian context, the “Masterpiece” highlights the technical and professional skills acquired during training and represents a significant educational milestone, where collaboration with companies becomes an opportunity for growth and learning. “It is above all an educational experience for our students, who, at the end of their three-year program, have the opportunity to challenge themselves and demonstrate their skills to the business world,” explained Tosti.

The event will conclude with remarks by Fr. Claudio Belfiore, CNOS-FAP Delegate for the Piedmont Region, who will invite participants to visit the places where Don Bosco began his educational mission.

To follow the 2026 National Exhibition of Masterpieces of the Professional Sectors and learn about the supporting companies, visit the dedicated website capolavori.cnos-fap.it and the social media channels of the CNOS-FAP ETS Foundation.