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Physical and mechanical tests, chemical analysis, research for alternative solutions and investigations on defects are not just something related to a specific product or material at a given time, but – all together - they represent a wealth of very broad and structured interdisciplinary knowledge.
Continuous exchanges of information between Catas technicians and companies, their constant participation in the international tables where standards are prepared, rather than at international conferences and seminars, continuously enrich a unique and perhaps unrepeatable heritage.
Here there is a test laboratory, created to respond to the specific needs of companies and developed to become a sort of "guardian" of everyone's quality of life, turning into a more complex organism, into a real giant archive of knowledge, data, information.

This wealth justifies the evidence that Catas is increasingly aimed at training and also the rich annual calendar of courses and seminars promoted by the institute clearly and tangibly testifies to this.
But in addition to this, Catas technicians are also "hired" as teachers in various initiatives dedicated to basic and advanced technical training.
And it is precisely the higher education that represents a need that today is expressed loudly by companies in our sector. The productive world perceives, in fact, the absence of young people specifically trained in the disciplines concerning wood and furniture, young people who can easily be inserted in the various roles (technical, commercial, quality control, etc.).
The creation of IFTS courses (higher technical education and training) - such as the one promoted by the Messina Foundation in Lentate (Monza Brianza) or in Puglia by the Cuccovillo Institute of Bari - are clear examples of how companies and trade associations are engaged in this effort for a training base adapted to specific needs.
We would like to remember that the Italian IFTS courses are parallel to the university course, from which they are distinguished by the strong bond with the productive world, being also much more dynamic and practical in the organization of the programs. At the end of the study course the students obtain a certificate of higher technical specialization recognized by the Italian Ministry of Public Education.
 
CATAS is therefore strongly involved in these areas and its technicians dedicate many hours to this training activity that is also associated with the presence in the university environment with courses on the technology of materials used in the wood-furniture sector at the University of Trieste, rather than seminars dedicated to specific topics at the Politecnico di Milano. It is however a well-rewarded effort, as it allows many young people to discover and deepen the complexity of this productive world, a relationship that often consolidates the collaboration between Catas and companies, thanks also to internships and theses carried out in close cooperation.
 
The growth of Catas in the training field is also demonstrated by the creation of Catas Academy, a real internal organization that allows to offer courses that are very targeted also to the specific needs of the market.
In fact, more and more often, companies ask Catas technicians for what we could call "small refreshes-courses" or for fast updates of their commercial and/or technical staff: this is a new trend in rapid growth and that probably derives from the needs to deal with an increasingly broad and articulated market, which requires solid foundations, preparation, knowledge and constant updating.
 
The following list highlights some of the most popular courses, but we take this opportunity to remind that Catas is extremely flexible with a wide range of skills, able to tackle different topics.
 
• Wood and wood-based panels, composition, classification and defects.
• The materials to cover the furniture: characteristics, classification and performance.
• Adhesives: types, performances, defects.
• Coating materials, types, performance, defects.
• Furniture in various sectors of use (domestic, contract and office): safety and performance.
• Furniture for children: safety and performance.
• Fire reaction.
• Safety and indoor emissions of raw materials and finished products.
• How to draft and respect a specification contract.
 
The courses, of different duration depending on the needs of the companies, can be held either at Catas offices (San Giovanni al Natisone - Udine and Lissone - Monza Brianza) or at the companies themselves.