Master Mëstè stems from the concept of the Cecilia Gilardi Foundation, which, since 2010, has been supporting deserving young individuals in their educational journey, facilitating their entry into the workforce through scholarships and internships in the fields of university studies, sports, arts, and artisan trades. In its first thirteen years of operation, the Foundation has granted 320 scholarships and backed 45 special projects, amounting to over 1.2 million euros.

Following the success of the initial two editions, which saw almost all scholarship recipients employed by the companies where they completed their internships, the selection process is reopening for young individuals up to 35 years old who aspire to gain skills and expertise in the world of artisanal work within outstanding companies in the northwest of Italy.

Applications for the Master Mëstè scholarship program, aimed at 19 recipients, are open from February 27 to May 5, 2024. The selection process will be conducted by a committee composed of members of the Scientific Committee of the Cecilia Gilardi Foundation and representatives from partner organizations. The initiative entails a study program consisting of 70 hours of classroom training (taught by university professors, professionals, and experts in labor and artisanal work, financial management, sector-specific regulations, marketing, and digital channel utilization). Additionally, it includes a paid six-month internship, from late September 2024 to March 2025, at companies and workshops in Piedmont, Valle d’Aosta, and Liguria.

Master Mëstè is a project that addresses the current challenges faced by young people and artisanal businesses. Recent data from the Turin Chamber of Commerce indicates a decrease of 416 units in youth enterprises in 2023, while artisanal businesses show a modest growth of +0.16%, a situation that has remained essentially unchanged for three years.