149 new specialists for the Swiss automotive industry
In Langenthal BE, 149 graduates - including nine women - received their federal diplomas. Automotive diagnosticians and automotive workshop coordinators will strengthen the industry in the future. The ceremony at the «Meilenstein» was held under the motto: «Training makes the difference».
The location could not have been more fitting: Surrounded by exclusive new cars such as the McLaren GT or Mercedes SLS through to sporty youngtimers and fine classic cars such as a Ferrari GT 2+2, the AGVS presented the successful new specialists with their certificates at the «Meilenstein» in Langenthal BE. Presenter Nina Havel opened the event with a personal example that illustrated why repairs belong in the hands of well-trained specialists. Her conclusion: professional competence pays off - training makes the difference.
«Be a human and not a robot!»
Now 149 new automotive diagnosticians and automotive workshop coordinators have joined the automotive industry throughout Switzerland. Werner Bieli, President of the QSK-AD/AWK Quality Assurance Commission, congratulated the graduates and looked to the future of the industry. An increasing variety of drive systems, stricter emissions regulations and new technologies demand flexible all-rounders with high quality. «Your success is the result of flexibility and quality,» emphasized Bieli. In front of the 350 or so guests, he paid tribute to the graduates« extra performance and gave them four guiding principles for their careers: Be a role model, show patience and empathy, remain persistent - even with yourself - and don't lose your sense of humor. »In short: be a human being and not a robot."
The two AGVS Central Board members Charles-Albert Hediger and Barbara Germann also offered their congratulations. Hediger recalled the 140th anniversary of the invention of the automobile and emphasized the central role that competent garage mechanics have always played. Germann emphasized that the certificate does not stand for flawlessness, but for the ability to systematically find and solve problems. She called on the newly qualified specialists to remain loyal to the industry: «You are the engine and fuel - or better today: energy - for our trade and keep it running!»
Additional asset in hand with new title
The purchasing organization for the automotive and motor vehicle industry (ESA) remains an important partner of AGVS vocational training. It has supported the AGVS financially for decades and presented a cheque for CHF 20,000 again this year. ESA Executive Board member Matthias Krummen encouraged the new specialists to play an active role in shaping change and to remain curious. The planned introduction of the new Professional Bachelor and Professional Master titles in the second half of 2026 will open up additional prospects. This is because the Professional Bachelor title supplement for higher vocational education and training (HF) qualifications and federal professional qualifications, which is also more internationally understandable, will give the 149 young professionals an additional asset that underlines their equivalence to academic tertiary education with a strong practical focus.
Olivier Maeder, member of the AGVS Executive Board responsible for education, pointed out this innovation and motivated the graduates to continue their education: «We naturally hope that many of you will also take the next step and aim for the new Professional Master's qualification, for example by completing further training to become a business economist in the automotive industry.» Maeder was particularly pleased that Abinas Uthayarasa, a SwissSkills bronze medal winner and newly qualified automotive diagnostician, could well imagine following this path. The Bernese explained at the award ceremony: «I was thinking about business administration, but I would also like to be a practical training instructor or vocational school teacher - that would interest me too.»
Special prizes for the best
The lucky graduates were then presented with their certificates in a festive setting before Werner Bieli presented the special prizes for the best grade point averages in the three language regions. In the automotive workshop coordinator category, these went to Ivan Simoni from Iragna TI (grade 4.7), Anthony Baz from Carouge GE (5.2) and Remo Blöchliger from Wolhusen LU and Jonas Herzog from Hottwil AG (4.9 each). Three talented automotive diagnosticians specializing in passenger cars won the additional award with a score of 5.5: Fiona Z'Rotz from Buchs SG, Nevio Bernet from Ufhusen LU and Mathias Stettler from Thun BE. And in western Switzerland, Aloïc Steffen from Founex VD was delighted with a good 4.6. Janik Zahnd from Ittigen BE (grade 5.7) and Valdet Delija from Collombey VS (5.3) were honored in the commercial vehicles category.
Before the 350 or so guests and experts and the successful professionals from the three training courses moved on to the «Aquarium Bar» for a tasteful meal, expert Jürg Dähler was given a fitting farewell and received a special pepper mill in the shape of a spark plug as well as thunderous applause in thanks for his work.
Source: AGVS
