On October 3rd, the prestigious Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista in Venice hosted a one-of-a-kind event: The Sheet Metal Worker Profession. Training, Certifications and Future Scenarios, organized by Zintek as part of the initiatives of the Zintek Academy.

An exclusive gathering that brought together sheet metal workers and professionals from all over Italy to reflect on the central role of the sheet metal worker: An irreplaceable figure in the architectural supply chain, capable of combining artisanal tradition, technical innovation, and construction quality.

After the greeting by Franco Bosello, Guardian Grande of the Scuola, who emphasized the link between Venice’s history and contemporary challenges, the event was opened by Simone Venturini, Councillor for Social Cohesion, Tourism, and Economic Development of the City of Venice, who brought the official greeting of the City during the week dedicated to High Craftsmanship.

Venturini highlighted the importance of dialogue between past and present, thanking Zintek for its contribution to strengthening Venice’s industrial and cultural ecosystem and for enhancing the value of skilled labour.

Next, Gianni Schiavon, CEO of Zintek, retraced the history of the industrial plant producing zintek®, active in Venice Porto Marghera since 1936, and presented the company, offering an overview of the cultural project promoted by the firm, which is developed along two paths: training and information. Particularly noteworthy was his excursus on the story of Laminato Venezia, precursor of today’s zintek®.

Afterwards, Professor Marco Imperadori of the Politecnico di Milano delivered a passionate reflection on the irreplaceable value of craftsmen, who “do what machines cannot do.” Imperadori also recalled how metal has been an integral part of Italian construction history, from the complex roofs of the Pantheon in Rome to the vaulted basilicas of Veneto, expressions of a “precision tailoring” that unites beauty and durability.

The sheet metal workers’ round table provided space for concrete testimonies and professional experiences.

Roberto Perozzo, president of the Association of Trentino Artisans, stressed the value of Zintek’s technical consultancy and the importance of synergy between industry and craftsmanship. At the end of his talk, a special lifetime achievement award was presented to Master Gianni Perozzo, Roberto’s father.

Tullio Costanzi of Copper Lattonerie spoke of the usefulness of Zintek’s training courses and ongoing technical support, which allow skills to be transferred within companies and help meet the demands of architects and clients with greater professionalism.

René Rustico, president of the Sheet Metal Workers Section of Confartigianato Como, underlined the difficulties in finding new recruits and the need to restore dignity to a profession often undervalued but essential and irreplaceable: “We still need to climb up onto roofs” he reminded.

Mauro Ognibeni, representative of the Province of Trento, emphasized the importance of events such as the one organized by Zintek, which enhance the role of the sheet metal worker and promote recognition comparable to what already exists in other European countries.

Following this, Engineer Antonio Bianco of ABICert reiterated the value of certification as a tool of professional dignity and a business card, since know-how must be documented. He explained that the Zintek Academy project is a true cultural “club” in which craftsmanship, technical language, and certified training pathways converge.

The new UNI 11966:2024 Certified Sheet Metal Worker licenses were then officially presented to the professionals who had passed the exam, managed by ABICert and verified by Accredia.

Closing the conference, Giovanni Salmistrari, President of Ance Venezia, emphasized the value of the initiative, which brought together people who know well the beauty of their work, and extended recognition to Zintek for its commitment to enhancing it, offering a fundamental contribution to the entire supply chain.

The event on October 3rd confirmed Zintek’s commitment, as a company historically linked to Venice, to supporting industrial culture and the enhancement of skills. The Zintek Academy, a UNI ISO 21001:2019 certified training body, is reaffirmed as a benchmark for the growth of sheet metal workers, offering training programs that weave together craftsmanship, technical expertise, and sustainability.

The conference once again underlined the importance of the sheet metal worker in the architectural supply chain. A professional capable of shaping metal, ensuring construction quality, durability, and beauty in building envelopes. This is a role that cannot be replaced by machines or standardized processes, because it is rooted in experience, precision, and creativity.

With this event, Zintek renews its commitment: Preserving tradition, shaping the future.