Italian regions roll out youth creative and entrepreneurial training programs

On 8 July, the University of Foggia hosted a free event titled “Leadership Femminile e Attivazione delle Reti” as part of the NIDI programme, bringing together aspiring women entrepreneurs for networking, training and community building. The initiative, coordinated by the Learning Sciences Institute and supported by ARTI Puglia, aims to strengthen relational skills and professional connections for female‑led enterprises in the region.

In the Marche region, officials presented the artistic project “Arcipelago Spazi Ritrovati” and a new IFTS course on set, sound and lighting design at the Pesaro Employment Centre. Funded by regional youth policies and European structural funds, the programmes seek to revive historic towns, foster creative‑industry jobs and retain young talent, with an overall investment of about €100 million.

Both events illustrate a broader push by Italian regional authorities to combine cultural initiatives with targeted vocational training, creating pathways for youth employment and supporting gender‑balanced entrepreneurship.