Four talented individuals from the construction trade are traveling to WorldSkills in Shanghai
The 48th WorldSkills Competition will take place in Shanghai at the end of September 2026. Four young professionals from Switzerland’s construction trades will represent Switzerland in their respective trades—and hope to build on the success of the last competition.
From September 22 to 27, 2026, approximately 1,400 young talents from over 60 countries will compete at WorldSkills in Shanghai. The Swiss delegation will travel to the Chinese metropolis with 42 participants and 38 skills. Four of them are from the construction and building envelope sectors.
A Strong Flagship for Vocational Education and Training
With over 30,000 apprentices, the Finishing and Building Envelope sector is one of the largest vocational training sectors in Switzerland. The four competitors traveling to Shanghai this summer are a testament to the quality of these training programs. Carpenter Augustin Mettraux from Fontainemelon (NE) is competing on behalf of the Fédération romande des entreprises de charpenterie, d’ébénisterie et de menuiserie (FRECEM). Electrical installer Kilian Moser from Grindelwald (BE) is represented by EIT.suisse. Plumber Matthias Steiner from Lyssach (BE) is competing on behalf of Suissetec. And carpenter Silvan Reichen from Frutigen (BE) is representing the Association of Swiss Master Carpenters and Furniture Manufacturers (VSSM).
The Swiss finishing trades sector has already demonstrated its international competitiveness at the most recent WorldSkills competition in Lyon: Of the 15 Swiss medals awarded, five went to the finishing trades and building envelope sectors. The four candidates in Shanghai aim to build on this success.
Intensive training leading up to the start
In the run-up to the WorldSkills Competition, the four talented competitors will undergo intensive training sessions alongside their professional work. Together with their respective experts, they will prepare individually for the competition, deepen their specialized knowledge, and refine their work techniques. In addition, the program includes several team weekends with the entire SwissSkills National Team, during which mental strength, team spirit, and perseverance take center stage.
For more information about the "Renovation and Building Envelope" core group and the candidates, please visit ausbaugewerbe.ch.
