In a world where inclusion represents a real driving force, initiatives that model inclusive employment are key to building the workplace of tomorrow. These should not be one-directional training courses but interactive classrooms for soft and hard skills, and communities where individuals are seen for their potential.

Fincons Group has taken a significant and heartfelt step forward with the launch of Isola Formativa, an initiative in partnership with the Province of Monza and Brianza and the Social Cooperative Il Grappolo. Launched officially in September 2024, the project is an example of how business can be a powerful platform for social impact.

Isola Formativa is a year-long professional training programme structured in two consecutive six-month phases. It is designed to support individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds in building technical skills, professional confidence, and meaningful human connections. The initiative combines practical workplace experience with structured learning, creating a “safe space” for growth, both personal and professional. The programme is conducted in-person at Fincons' Vimercate offices, offering five trainees the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in real organisational processes and work environments.

More than just a traineeship

What sets Isola Formativa apart from traditional training or internship schemes is its inclusive design and human-centric approach. Over the course of 12 months, guided by tutor Matteo Massa from Social Cooperative Il Grappolo, the participants worked with Fincons professionals across various departments. They learned to work with Microsoft Office and SAP, manage digital archives, and participate actively in the day-to-day operations of various staff functions.

This isn’t simply about learning how to use a spreadsheet or write an email, it’s about helping individuals uncover capabilities they might not have known they possessed, while also cultivating a sense of purpose and belonging in a professional setting.

As Matteo Massa puts it, "The Isola Formativa is a space for high-intensity, experiential training. It fosters the personal and professional identities of participants in ways that make long-term employment not just a possibility, but a tangible next step, whether within Fincons or in another workplace."

Human stories, lasting impact

Behind every great project are real people with real stories. The five inaugural trainees – Danilo Spiniello, Roberta Davi, Mattia Ravasi, Maria Del Mar Vargas Corcino, and Santo Gaetano – have each brought a unique perspective, commitment, and energy to the initiative. Their reflections offer a glimpse into the personal transformations fostered by the project.

Danilo shared how the programme helped him develop his communication skills and boosted his self-confidence, adding, “Thanks to this experience I’ve become more outgoing and patient. I’ve built a solid relationship of trust with my colleagues, they’ve helped me through stressful moments, and now we even see each other outside of work.”

For Roberta, returning to the workforce after a five-year break, Isola Formativa was a journey of growth and breaking through social and personal barriers. “I worked in hospitality for many years, but this opportunity allowed me to retrain. The administrative field has always fascinated me, and now I feel I’ve truly acquired the skills to pursue it. We learned to manage difficulties through teamwork, recognising everyone’s strengths in a positive and inclusive atmosphere.”

Mattia added “At the start, I struggled with performance anxiety. I was afraid to make decisions. Now I’m able to manage my time at the office independently, taking on daily responsibilities and learning even through mistakes. I’ll leave here with a new family of colleagues and friends,” while Maria del Mar, a native Spanish speaker, described the programme as a personal breakthrough: “I used to think in Spanish, and that was a challenge, but thanks to the support of my colleagues and by practising written Italian, I was able to overcome it. I discovered a determination I didn’t know I had.”

Santo, too, discovered new sides of himself and a genuine passion for data analysis: "A professional part of me emerged that I didn't know existed. I fell in love with Excel, I even use it at 8AM or late at night! This got me the nickname “Excelman” and I’ve become the go-to person in the office for spreadsheets. Plus, I built genuine friendships with my colleagues. I couldn’t have asked for more."

These stories aren't just heart-warming, they're proof that inclusion, when done right, can change lives.

The "onboarding" project: a real business challenge

One of the most innovative aspects of Isola Formativa was the "Onboarding" project. Designed to mirror the actual onboarding process for new employees, this task was entirely managed by the trainees themselves. With support from their tutors and Fincons colleagues, they studied the intricacies of this HR process and replicated it in full.

Mattia Marchesi, Senior HR Manager at Fincons Group, highlighted how ambitious this challenge was: "The trainees had to understand a complex business process and then manage it independently. Not only did they succeed, but they also delivered every phase on time and engaged with Fincons staff from different departments. It was a real demonstration of what inclusive participation can achieve."

A glimpse into the future

Projects like Isola Formativa are crucial in shaping the workplaces of tomorrow. They remind us that business goals and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive. In fact, when integrated thoughtfully, they can reinforce each other.

For Matteo Massa, Isola Formativa has been as much about professional support as it has been about human connection. “This space has enabled growth for everyone involved, trainees, tutors, and staff alike. The training delivered by Fincons professionals and the cooperative team created a structure that allowed everyone to flourish,” he reflected “True inclusion means remembering our shared humanity, especially during difficult moments. Fincons welcomed us not only professionally but also on a human level. We’ve always felt part of the company.”

With this project, Fincons has taken a concrete step by actively involving people who often face barriers to employment, sharing with them tools, experiences, and business processes. The results speak for themselves: personal growth, professional development, and a strengthened organisational culture grounded in empathy and diversity.

After the first group of participants will complete their journey in September 2025, Fincons is already planning a second editon with a new group of trainees. This is a clear indicator that inclusion, when embedded into business strategy, is not just sustainable, it’s transformative.