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WorldSkills Lyon: Switzerland’s elite team takes home 15 medals
In early September 2024, the world's top skills champions gathered at the WorldSkills competition in Lyon. The Swiss flag was carried by 45 young professionals. SERI Deputy Director Rémy Hübschi explains why the federal government co-sponsors Switzerland's participation in skills competitions.
26.09.2024
Rémy Hübschi, what was the atmosphere there like?
Very impressive! Above all, I was struck by the level of enthusiasm and motivation with which the young contestants from all countries competed for the medals. Once again, the Swiss team did extremely well in Lyon. I was also impressed by the huge network backing the Swiss team: first and foremost host companies, professional organisations, vocational schools, cantonal authorities and also the families of team members.
The Swiss delegation vied with young professionals from over 65 different countries. How important are such international skills competitions for Switzerland?
Very important. In Lyon, the Swiss team won seven gold medals, seven silver medals and one bronze medal, making Switzerland the ‘Top 3 of World’ and best European nation. A total of 15 medals – This figure greatly underscores the quality of apprenticeship training in Switzerland. International exchanges – and I include international skills competitions in this – are a key education policy priority for Switzerland as they enhance the visibility and recognition of vocational education and training. Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin also travelled to the WorldSkills competition to show his personal appreciation and support for the Swiss team.
And how important do you think winning a medal is for young professionals and future apprentices?
Whether it be in sports or working life, people given the opportunity to take part in international competitions tend to be highly motivated. For young professionals, these competitions are both an incentive and a source of pride. They take pride in their own performance and also in their chosen profession. In my view, skills competitions are therefore a good platform to support talented young people, raise the profile of the VET system and draw attention to the various occupations available to prospective learners.
The world's top skills champions met in Lyon. How did the 45 talented young people on the Swiss team qualify for the event?
The path to such events begins at national SwissSkills competitions. It is at these events that professional organisations select their Swiss champions each year. SwissSkills competitions also serve as qualifier events for participation in both the EuroSkills and WorldSkills competitions. In September 2025, most of the SwissSkills competitions will once again take place in Bern.
Rémy Hübschi has served as Deputy Director of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) since 2021 and heads the Vocational, Professional and Continuing Education Division.
Photo: Stefan Wermuth / SwissSkills
Speaking of the future: Switzerland will be hosting the EuroSkills competition in 2029.
That's right. In early June 2024, it was decided that the Canton of Geneva would host EuroSkills 2029. This event will take place from 26 to 30 September at the Palexpo international exhibition and convention centre in Geneva. Personally, I am really looking forward to it. EuroSkills competitions offer Switzerland a unique opportunity to showcase its excellence in vocational education and training. We take pride in sharing our good practices and programmes with the international community. And we are convinced that the EuroSkills 2029 competition in Switzerland will not only be a source of inspiration for competitors, it will also leave a lasting positive impression outside the country's borders. The Geneva bid was supported by Canton of Geneva’s Cité des Métiers, the SwissSkills Foundation and the Swiss Confederation.
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Support for skills competitions
The SwissSkills Foundation is committed to fostering talent and excellence in vocational education and training. In doing so, it greatly contributes to enhancing the reputation and profile of the dual VET system. SERI provides CHF 2-3 million in funding each year to support the foundation's activities. With this support, the Swiss Confederation, together with professional organisations and the cantons, helps to retain the appeal and adaptability of vocational education and training.
Contact
Talia Bongni, SERI
Project Manager, Financing and Project Support Unit
talia.sheikhbongni@sbfi.admin.ch
+41 58 481 01 86
Author
Talia Bongni
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