Talents and the city

Cesena 4 Talents is the talent attraction and retention initiative promoted by the City of Cesena. It aims to make the Cesena area more attractive for highly specialized talents, through collaboration with companies, and supports international talents in discovering the opportunities to build meaningful life and career paths.

We spoke with the Cesena 4 Talents team to learn more about the programme. Here is the interview!

1. What strategies or programmes are you implementing to attract and retain talent?

As part of a broader strategy to enhance local innovation and competitiveness, the Cesena 4 Talents project aims to improve accessibility to support services for highly specialized talents arriving in the Cesena area, ensuring easier integration and better reception.

Through a bilingual website and close collaboration with local institutions and businesses, the project simplifies relocation, integration, and helps both individuals and their families settle smoothly into the community. This process increases the attractiveness of the Cesena area and the companies that operate there and produces a closer relationship between companies and talents, also promoting the commitment of talents in the cultural and social activities of the city of Cesena and contributing to the sense of belonging and integration of international talents in the community. 

It focuses on several key actions designed to attract new talent and support their integration into the local community. The main strategies include an accompanying service aimed at facilitating the arrival and stay of newly hired profiles, national and international, and their partners/families; events and initiatives aimed at connecting local employers with potential candidates, especially in Cesena’s key strategic sectors, promoting local services and opportunities.

2. Which kind of services do you offer to talents?

Sportello Talenti (Talent Help Desk) is the service that provides guidance and assistance on a variety of essential aspects, in order to simplify the relocation and integration process for incoming talent. Through the Sportello Talenti we offer information and personalized support to ensure that talents arriving in Cesena feel welcomed, informed, and well-supported. 

 The service  is available in both Italian and English and includes:

• guidance on essential public services such as transportation, healthcare, education, and cultural activities.
• information and assistance regarding residence permits and local administrative procedures.
• support with bureaucratic and administrative tasks, including the renewal of official documents such as identity cards.

The counter is located in Cesena. The opening hours are: 

• Monday-Saturday, 8.00-13.00
• Thursday, 8.00-17.00.

Received by appointment only, via this link.

3. Do you offer support to the families of international professionals?

Yes, the Cesena 4 Talents project provides dedicated support to the families of international professionals through the Sportello Talenti  It offers comprehensive, bilingual support, assistance and information on:

• education services: including guidance on enrolling children in nursery, kindergarten, and primary schools, as well as information on school transport and canteen services.

• healthcare access: support in identifying and accessing local healthcare services such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, general practitioners, and pediatricians.

• administrative support: help with documentation and bureaucratic procedures related to family relocation and integration.

Additionally, families can find a wide range of resources on our website where they can also contact us directly or book an appointment for personalized assistance.

4. What are the main resources or tools you use?

Our primary resource is the website, available in both Italian and English. The site serves as a comprehensive guide to the city of Cesena and the services offered through the Cesena 4 Talents project. It covers essential topics such as healthcare, education, employment, and cultural opportunities. Visitors can also find practical guidance, resources, and updates on project-related events and initiatives.

Additionally, we are planning to launch LinkedIn and Instagram channels soon, where we’ll share news, promote services, and strengthen connections with the international talent community.

5. How do you collaborate with local institutions to facilitate the matching of trainees and professionals?

We work closely with local universities, businesses, and professional networks to create strong connections between talent and the job market.

One-on-one meetings with companies are conducted to identify in-demand job profiles, required skills, and any challenges employers face in recruitment. These conversations help us align training and support services with real market needs.

Moreover, networking events are regularly organized to connect students and recent graduates with professionals and local businesses. These events are hosted in accessible venues such as the Malatesta Library and the University Campus to be easily accessible by all.

Finally, an annual forum brings together representatives from the business community and academic institutions to exchange ideas, share insights, and strengthen cooperation between education and industry.