Businesses and young talent: Cama Group’s model of collaboration with schools
The relationship between businesses and educational institutions is becoming increasingly vital for building a solid future rich in opportunities for young people.
A prime example of how this connection can be successfully fostered is represented by Cama Group, an international company based in Italy, specializing in the production of technological systems for secondary packaging. However, Cama goes beyond technological innovation: it acts as a bridge between education and the professional world, paving the way for young talents.
by F. S.
We explored this vision with Paola Fraschini, Cama’s Marketing Manager, who shared the company’s commitment to creating value through educational projects and collaborations with technical schools, high schools, and ITS (Technical Superior Institutes). The goal? To promote a shared growth model that empowers young people and strengthens the local community.
Building a bridge between business and education: Cama’s vision
“Our main motivation is to create a virtuous system that involves schools and the local community,” explains Fraschini. “We realized that the best way to make ourselves known and invest in young people at the same time is by opening our company doors. This allows us to establish a direct dialogue with students, showcasing who we are and what opportunities the world of work can offer them.” Cama’s efforts revolve around Open Days, collaborations with ITS Lombardia Meccatronica in Lecco, Sondrio and Milano, and shared educational projects. During Open Days, company professionals’ welcome classes and provide concrete insights into what it’s like to work in an innovative and dynamic environment. “From research and development to automation and software, technical offices, and after-sales, our experts actively participate, offering explanations, analysis, and practical examples of how the theory students learn in books can be applied in a professional setting.” This approach has an immediate impact: students not only gain a better understanding of the skills required for various roles but also begin to envision their professional futures more concretely.
A Win-Win investment
During Open Days, company professionals’ welcome classes and provide concrete insights. (photo: Cama)
One of the most remarkable aspects of Cama’s approach is the mutual benefits these initiatives generate for both the young talents and the company itself. By collaborating with schools and ITS, Cama has identified skilled individuals who now contribute to its success. “In recent years, we have hired several students from technical backgrounds,” says Fraschini. “For instance, Stefano Sironi, now working in R&D, and Alessandro Mast, in automation and software, both came through ITS Meccatronica in Lecco. Thanks to internships and hands-on training, they found their place in our company. It’s extraordinary to see how their technical education perfectly aligns with our needs”.
One particularly notable story involves a young field technician recommended by his professor as a promising talent. “This student dreamed of becoming a field technician to travel and work internationally. After two years of specialization at ITS Meccatronica in Lecco, he joined our company and, within months, was part of the team installing a machine at the Pack Expo in Chicago, receiving invaluable field training.”
Innovative projects: the ITS business contest
Students, divided into teams, simulated commercial strategies for clients from various regions, such as the United States, Asia, and the Arab countries. In the photo the group for area MENA with Ahmed Mohamed, Cama’s MENA (Middle East and North Africa) sales manager. (photo: Cama)
Beyond its collaboration with technical institutes, Cama has extended its efforts to ITS Business schools, which focus on training managerial and commercial profiles. One of the most popular initiatives is a contest involving students in internationalization strategies. “We created a real project,” Fraschini explains. “Students, divided into teams, simulated commercial strategies for clients from various regions, such as the United States, Asia, and the Arab countries. Each team developed a proposal tailored to real client demands, addressing intercultural approaches and customized marketing strategies.” This experience allowed students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, providing a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the business world. “Working on real cases motivated them and highlighted the importance of skills like foreign languages and cultural adaptability,” Fraschini emphasizes.
Collaboration with teachers and investment in technology
A standout feature of Cama’s model is its close collaboration with educators, who work alongside company professionals to develop joint educational programs. Looking ahead, Cama is considering donating a robotic station featuring its Triaflex robots to ITS Meccatronica, equipping students with cutting-edge technology for hands-on practice. “This type of support allows students to experiment with modern technologies and better prepare for the professional world,” says Fraschini. “And it’s not just about technical skills—we also encourage the development of soft skills, such as teamwork and flexibility.”
A positive impact on the community: investing in the future
By collaborating with schools and ITS, Cama has identified skilled individuals who now contribute to its success. (photo: Cama)
Cama’s commitment extends beyond its corporate walls, engaging the local community in a constructive dialogue. Collaborating with companies like OMET and organizations like Confindustria, Cama has fostered a virtuous ecosystem that strengthens the territory and opens new horizons for young people.
“We have participated in initiatives such as Confindustria’s PMI Day, welcoming middle school students to our company,” recounts Fraschini. “These young visitors, often uncertain about their future paths, had the chance to discover what working in a company like ours entails.” Through a mix of practical training, dialogue with schools, and technological investments, Cama demonstrates that success is measured not only in economic terms but also by its ability to create value for future generations. “This is our way of investing in the community and the future,” concludes Fraschini. “We firmly believe that an open dialogue between businesses and schools is the key to building a stronger community and providing young people with the opportunities they deserve.”
Tech4Students: the Open Day to discover future careers
One of Cama’s key initiatives to bridge the gap between education and the professional world is its Tech4Students Open Day. These events provide students with the opportunity to explore various career paths, such as product manager, automation technician, or after-sales specialist. The company sets up dedicated stations where experts demonstrate the daily responsibilities and skills required for each role. “We want young people to truly understand what it means to work in areas like research and development or to become a product manager,” explains Paola Fraschini. “It’s not just about explaining—it’s about showing them, in a tangible way, what these roles entail and how the skills they acquire at school can be applied in real-life scenarios. To further engage young minds on this important topic, Cama has launched a survey inviting them to reflect on the question: “What do you imagine the jobs of the future will look like?“
Since its founding in 1981, Cama Group has stood out as a leader in the packaging industry, with a particular focus on the food sector, as well as on personal care, household, and other non-food products. With six international subsidiaries in the United States, China, Australia, the UK, France, and the Netherlands, Cama brings innovation and technology to a global scale. The company is renowned for its ability to provide complete secondary packaging lines, integrating advanced machinery and robotic loading units. From the primary product to carton packaging, every stage of the process is meticulously crafted to ensure efficiency and quality. Its deep industry knowledge and capacity to deliver customized solutions make Cama a trusted partner for clients worldwide.
Founded in the heart of Lecco in 1963 by Angelo Bartesaghi, OMET has grown into a global reference point in label printing machines, packaging machinery, tissue converting, and bearing-based handling systems. With a team of approximately 500 people, OMET operates on a global scale with subsidiaries and offices in China, the USA, India, and Spain. OMET is distinguished by its unwavering commitment to innovation, designing tailored solutions for its clients while delivering highly qualified services. Beyond its technological advancements, OMET actively pursues sustainable growth, investing in employee well-being and fostering collaborations with educational institutions. This philosophy merges technological progress with social responsibility, creating value for all stakeholders.
