‘Speed Dating’ Helps Italian Students Learn About Science

Speed dating took on a new meaning for dozens of high schoolers in Milan, Italy in January! As part of our community engagement grant, we invited students to a fast-paced information session with our employees. The event focused on careers in the scientific field and explored how the youth can start to open opportunistic doorways!

The event was developed by the PPG team in Italy in partnership with the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci in Milan.

Speed Dating with Our Researchers

During the morning, our seven researchers rotated through small groups of students to answer questions about our company. The teenagers quizzed them on job responsibilities, degrees and certifications required to work to PPG. They also asked about coatings innovations, language requirements, workplace safety, and even job satisfaction.

Incredible Feedback

Feedback from students and teachers was very positive. One school plans to schedule a student field trip to PPG’s automotive refinish coatings plant and color laboratory in Milan. This will allow students to see chemists, researchers and other scientists in action. The students had the opportunity to talk to:

• Massimiliano Mimmotti – PPG plant manager, Milan

• Gaia Passerini – PPG process engineer

• Stefano Gianellini – PPG laboratory manager for commercial transportation and light Industrial Coatings

• Cristina Panzella – PPG production manager

• Sarah Godio – PPG laboratory color technician

• Francesca Internicola – PPG planner

• Carola Di Maio – PPG laboratory manager for collision