BuildSkills Academy Masterclass in Bologna: Building the Future of Construction with Young Talent
On 8–9 October 2026, the third BuildSkills Academy Masterclass took place in Bologna, Italy, bringing together education and construction industry representatives, experts, young professionals and project partners from across Europe. Held at the SAIE International Building Exhibition, the event focused on a shared challenge: how to make the construction sector more attractive, inclusive and accessible to the next generation.
Under the theme “Building the Future: Attracting and Retaining Young Talent in Europe’s Construction Sector”, the two-day Masterclass was organised by Sistemi Formativi Confindustria (SFC), in cooperation with FORMEDIL and SAIE, as part of the Erasmus+ BuildSkills Academy project. The event also formed part of the Erasmus Days 2026 celebrations.
The programme explored four interconnected areas: diversity and inclusion, technology as an enabler, sustainability as a purpose, and quality training pathways.
Rethinking construction careers
The first day focused on the barriers preventing young people and women from entering the construction sector, including persistent stereotypes, limited awareness of modern career opportunities and challenges related to working conditions.
Speakers shared examples of how early career guidance, practical learning experiences and closer cooperation between schools and employers can help change these perceptions. Discussions also highlighted how digital technologies, emerging professional roles and the green transition are creating new opportunities in construction.
A panel dedicated to women’s participation examined the importance of inclusive workplaces, equal access to training and stronger representation of women in the sector. Participants also had the opportunity to explore innovations and technologies presented at the SAIE Fair.
From shared challenges to practical solutions
The second day shifted the focus towards developing solutions. Through interactive Table Talks, participants worked together on proposals addressing career awareness, attractive apprenticeships, mentoring, skills recognition and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Expert presentations explored sustainable construction, future skills and innovative education approaches. Topics ranged from project-based learning and bio-inspired engineering solutions to the role of micro-credentials and reliable certification frameworks in supporting lifelong learning and professional mobility.
The discussions underlined that attracting young people requires more than promoting construction careers. It also means providing meaningful work, inclusive environments, accessible training and clear opportunities for professional development.
Turning dialogue into action
The Bologna Masterclass offered an opportunity for project partners, vocational education providers, researchers, industry representatives and young professionals to exchange experiences, strengthen cooperation and identify practical priorities for the future.
As the third Masterclass in the BuildSkills Academy series, the event contributed valuable perspectives to the project’s ongoing work on innovative skills development and vocational excellence in construction.
The shared ambition is clear: to place people and the next generation at the centre of the construction sector’s transformation — and turn dialogue and ideas into measurable actions and tangible progress.
BuildSkills Academy thanks the organisers, speakers, partners and participants for their contributions to two productive and inspiring days in Bologna.
