When IBSA launched its Academy just over a year ago, the goal was clear: to invest in people by developing transversal skills (soft skills) to accompany and support the company’s growth. Today, 12 months later, the project has evolved into a solid and well-recognised programme, engaging hundreds of employees and generating an impact well beyond the training room.
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The first year of IBSA Academy: results and future prospects
FROM LISTENING TO ACTION – THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSVERSAL SKILLS
A company is the sum of people and skills, relationships, and personal abilities: giving voice to this diversity was the first step in shaping the Academy’s journey.
In 2023, IBSA’s Human Resources & Organization department carried out an internal survey – anonymous and managed by an external partner – to collect feedback from employees and, consequently, identify areas for improvement. One key insight was a strong desire for a structured and varied training offer.
That is how IBSA Academy was born – an initiative dedicated to developing transversal skills (such as planning and organisation, decision-making, leadership and team development). Several training programmes were designed to strengthen people’s capabilities and help them face professional challenges more effectively.
IBSA ACADEMY: A YEAR OF PROMISING RESULTS
Since 2024, a total of 60 editions across 18 different courses have been delivered, amounting to 865 hours of training and involving nearly 500 people across Switzerland and Italy. The composition of the classes was intentionally designed to promote integration among colleagues from different areas and functions. Indeed, diversity (in terms of age, seniority, gender, location, and professional background) allows for a constructive exchange of perspectives.
“We wanted to create cross-functional classes, mixing people from various departments and countries. This was one of the most appreciated aspects, as it encouraged integration and dialogue”, stated Francesca Iezzi, People Development Manager.
CONTINUOUS EVOLUTION IN A WORLD THAT NEVER STANDS STILL
The year 2026 will mark both consolidation and further evolution, with the introduction of programmes tailored to address the future challenges that top management will face, as well as new courses within the existing training offering.
Beyond the figures and the success of the initiative, the true value of IBSA Academy lies in its ability to place the Person at the centre, foster new relationships, strengthen corporate culture, and provide meaningful moments of reflection in a constantly evolving environment.
In this context, IBSA Academy stands not only as a training plan, but as an evolving process destined to grow alongside its people. In the words of Carlo Riccardi, Sr. Talent & Reward Manager: “In an age where technology and automation are advancing rapidly, the Academy also serves to highlight human relationships and the search for meaning – aspects that no technology will ever replace”.
