The best 20 automotive mechatronics technicians go to SwissSkills

Beads of sweat were guaranteed - and for once it wasn't due to the hot summer weather on July 5, 2025 in Bern: 36 young talents from the automotive industry had a big goal this Saturday. At Mobilcity Bern, the 19 to 21-year-old automotive mechatronics technicians specializing in passenger cars and commercial vehicles competed for the 20 starting places at the SwissSkills national vocational championships. They had to complete four stages of a maximum of 20 minutes each in the qualification. They did so under the watchful eyes of the 14 experts, most of whom had competition experience themselves. Among them were Sophie Schumacher (WorldSkills Gold 2024) and Nevio Bernet (WorldSkills Silver 2024).

Deliberately difficult qualification

The qualification items were deliberately challenging in order to select the best in the industry. For example, a broken-down vehicle with several defects had to be persuaded to start, an engine component had to be measured or a tap that had broken off in the thread had to be removed. All this under intense time pressure, with the right tools and diagnostic equipment to choose from, with the best procedure, the best technology - and with as much success as possible. But it was worth it: the dream of participating in SwissSkills came true for the 20 best participants.

The automotive industry is attractive

For the Swiss automotive industry and the AGVS as its association, competitions such as the qualification for SwissSkills are a showcase for the success of training and further education. Anyone who came by could see for themselves that the Swiss automotive industry is not lacking in talent. Nor is there a lack of ambition: A proud 56 automotive mechatronics technicians specializing in passenger cars and commercial vehicles had originally applied, meaning that criteria such as grade point average (minimum 5.0) had to be used to reduce the number to 36. "This high number shows how attractive the automotive professions are for young people," says Olivier Maeder, AGVS Managing Director for Education: "We are very proud of these young people: The best are measured by their qualifications. We as the automotive professions team are delighted that we can contribute to this." And Maeder is pleased to emphasize: "The 20 qualified people from all parts of the country represent the whole of Switzerland."

Next stop SwissSkills

Also typical for the automotive industry: despite the tension of the competition, the atmosphere at the social get-together was remarkably good throughout the qualification day. In the end, there were only winners. And for the 20 automotive mechatronics technicians who made it through, it's now time to prepare for SwissSkills, which will take place at BernExpo from September 17 to 21, 2025 and is definitely worth a visit. From SwissSkills, the best participants will go on to international competitions - perhaps the EuroSkills or WorldSkills.

Source and further information: AGVS