A career in the automotive industry pays off
Anyone who is not only enthusiastic about cars and trucks, but is also looking for a professional future with prospects, should take a look at the automotive industry: The industry is changing and offers career opportunities that now go far beyond the good old "wrenching".
The cliché persists: professions in the automotive industry have a reputation for being dirty and physically demanding. But the reality has long since changed: Modern cars are rolling computers that increasingly rely on electromobility, digital systems and complex high-tech diagnostic technology. As a result, the classic "car mechanic" or "truck mechanic" no longer exists, but rather many differentiated job profiles: Automotive specialists, automotive mechatronics technicians or automotive diagnosticians who use state-of-the-art technology and highly developed tools to apply their knowledge and skills. Quite apart from the fact that technical professions are only one part of the many automotive professions. One example of a non-technical profession is the automotive sales advisor. The new basic training course for retail sales specialists EFZ Automotive Sales trains people specifically for this job.
That a career in the automotive industry is worthwhile, showcase the impressive successes of young Swiss professionals at national and international competitions: at WorldSkills 2024 in Lyon (F), two champions of the automotive industry recently shone: commercial vehicle mechatronics technician Sophie Schumacher from Hagneck BE became the first woman to become world champion in her profession - a historic victory. And Nevio Bernet from Ufhusen LU secured the silver medal as an automotive mechatronics technician specializing in passenger cars.
Both look back on their experiences with enthusiasm. "The effort was definitely worth it, it's a unique experience," says Sophie Schumacher. "No matter how far you get, you get to meet other people in your profession who are just as motivated as you are, and you can learn a lot." Nevio Bernet adds: "WorldSkills was a huge experience. I met a lot of people and learned a lot. Now it's over and the work goes on. I would take part again - you can only benefit from it."
These achievements are personal successes, also strengthen the reputation of the automotive professions and the image of the industry; professional championships such as SwissSkills, EuroSkills and WorldSkills prove the potential and how much emotion there is in the industry. By the way: SwissSkills 2025 will take place in Bern from September 17 to 21, 2025. Registration is open until April 18, 2025, and the qualification round will be held on July 5, 2025 at Mobilcity in Bern. Such competitions are not only a challenge, but also an excellent opportunity to prove your skills, make valuable contacts and pave your own career path.
Car trade equals career opportunity. Not only cars, but also trucks offer exciting careers - and no longer just for men. Sophie Schumacher's victory shows that women are increasingly gaining a foothold here too. In order to specifically promote young talent, the Auto Gewerbe Verband Schweiz (AGVS), which is responsible for training and further education in the industry, is planning an image campaign for commercial vehicle professions together with the importers. "The concept for this project is being implemented with universities and with the support of importers and the AGVS," explains Olivier Maeder, AGVS Managing Director, Education Division.
To attract young people to the industry, the AGVS relies on various initiatives, including its platform autoberufe.ch and its participation in formats such as "Lehrberufe Live!". These live streams regularly give school students authentic insights into the everyday life of apprentices in the automotive industry - and are very popular.
The automotive world is changing rapidly, and with it the demands on skilled workers. The transition to electromobility is opening up new career opportunities, because in addition to traditional mechanics, there is an increasing demand for specialist knowledge in high-voltage technology, software diagnostics and digital assistance systems. Anyone starting an apprenticeship in the automotive industry today will become an important pillar of tomorrow's mobility.
As already mentioned, the automotive industry also offers career opportunities outside of basic technical training - for example in the commercial sector. There are also numerous further training opportunities with federal qualifications. Young talents will find a future with prospects here. The growing interest is reflected in the number of graduates: At the end of January 2025, a total of 167 prospective automotive diagnosticians and automotive workshop coordinators received their specialist certificate in Langenthal BE.
Modern technology, exciting challenges and excellent development opportunities make the industry more attractive than ever. Further information on the many job profiles in the industry can be found at www.autoberufe.ch. Numerous impressions and insights into the professional world of the automotive industry can be found on the Instagram and TikTok channel of autoberufe.ch.
