Modern spaces, cutting-edge equipment and a training approach aligned with the evolving needs of the furniture industry. In Lentate sul Seveso (Brianza), a region globally recognized for its design and furniture tradition, Artwood Academy tackles the growing skills gap by offering young people access to the same technologies used in professional workshops—bridging craftsmanship and innovation to design the future of the sector.
Since 2013, the Academy has trained more than 750 students, including over 250 graduates from Higher Technical Education (ITS) programs, with 95% of them employed in roles consistent with their studies. Increasingly, these new professionals are women—proof that technology and digitalization are reshaping the woodworking industry.
“Technical education accounts for around 50% of our total course hours and takes place primarily in the woodworking lab, equipped with all the most suitable technologies to master the trade,”
explains Luigi Mettica, General Manager of Artwood Academy.
A Fully Equipped Workshop with SCM Technology
Since relocating to its current 1,000 m² headquarters in 2018, the Academy—supported by FederlegnoArredo and Aslam—has relied exclusively on SCM woodworking technologies.
The first equipment package already included twenty machines covering all production needs, from traditional woodworking solutions to a “morbidelli m100” 5-axis CNC machining centre, featuring advanced software for easy drilling and routing operations.
In 2023, the lab underwent a major upgrade thanks to new funding under Italy’s PNRR program, which expanded its range of CNC machining centres, renewed all traditional machines, and introduced new digital software and hardware.
New CNC Machines, Infinite Learning Opportunities
For Ruben Sagone, CAD/CAM Programming Instructor and lab manager, hands-on practice is key.
“The five new CNC machining centres allow students to work on any interior design component, object or prototype, each offering different operating and maintenance modes for a complete learning experience.”
With the “morbidelli m200” 5-axis CNC machining centre, a high-performance and multitasking solution, students master CAD/CAM programming and all panel machining operations. The compact “startech cn k” 3-axis machining centre—three machines installed—
is an optimal solution for individual training and smaller-scale projects.
“By using 3-axis and lathe-axis of “startech cn k”, students carried out objects with new geometries and shapes—such as napkin holders, handles and design accessories—while also performing the traditional drilling and routing operations on the panels,” says Sagone.
To complete the range of machining centres, there is the “hypsos”
5-axis machining centre, a rare model for a training institute, capable of processing solid wood elements up to 120 cm high in a 36 m² working area. This enables students to gain experience with complex and large dimensioned components in solid wood.
Safety First: Learning with Confidence
Safety is a top priority at Artwood Academy. The most recent SCM equipment supply includes a circular saw with the innovative “blade off” safety system, which prevents the accidental contact of the operator with the blade automatically excluding it under the machine worktable, by detecting any part of the human body.
“These machines can be dangerous for unskilled operators, but with this technology we can train students safely and effectively,” notes Francesco Chinellato, Head of Technical Area.
Unlike other safety systems, “blade off” allows operators to remain in full control of the machining process—protecting students without interrupting their learning experience.
From School to Campus: The Future of Artwood Academy
The Academy continues to grow. Alongside the woodworking lab, a new department dedicated to upholstery and soft furnishing has been added. Future goals include expanding digital skills—from design and 3D modeling to machine operation—and creating a true campus, with housing for students coming from other parts of Italy and abroad (currently 10% of total enrolments). SCM stands alongside Artwood Academy in this mission, providing not only advanced technologies and software, but also the expertise of its Service team, who regularly conduct hands-on training both on-site and at the SCM Technology Center in Rimini. Thanks to access to the Scm Group Campus digital platform, training also continues online, integrating real and virtual learning experiences.
A Partnership for the Future of Wood-Furniture Education
The collaboration between SCM and Artwood Academy is rooted in the real needs of today’s wood-furniture companies, while looking ahead to the future—preserving craftsmanship, fostering new skills, and promoting the excellence of Made in Italy worldwide.
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