Four Zurich Talents Represent Switzerland at WorldSkills 2026
30.03.2026 | from SwissSkills
Reading time: 3 minutes
Image rights: Manu Friederich
30.03.2026, In six months, Switzerland looks eagerly towards China. From 22 to 27 September 2026, the WorldSkills, the largest professional championships in the world, will be held in Shanghai. 42 young Swiss men and women will compete in 38 skills against around 1,400 participants from over 60 countries. Since their selection, the SwissSkills National Team has been intensively preparing for the international competition with the clear goal of once again achieving a top 3 position in the nation ranking. Approximately 1,000 training hours per talent are set to pave the way to the top of the world and make the strengths of Swiss vocational training visible internationally. Included are also four junior professionals from the Canton of Zurich.
Switzerland competes with 42 competitors in 38 skills
42 young professional talents face the competition of their lives! They will represent Switzerland at the WorldSkills in Shanghai, China, showcasing not just their country but also their profession and passion. Across a total of 38 skills, they will compete. Whether floristry, cyber security, automotive mechatronics, polymechanics, garment design or hotel reception, a total of 64 competitions are on the programme. Among the Swiss competitors are also four talents from the Canton of Zurich. The WorldSkills are considered the largest international comparison in the field of vocational training, bringing together around 1,400 participants from over 60 countries. For Switzerland, this is a unique opportunity to showcase the strengths of the dual education system internationally and to spotlight the vocational youth.
These are the four Zurich professional talents in the SwissSkills National Team:
- Gwenda
Bösch, Stallikon (ZH), baker-confectioner-confiseur EFZ, skill bakery
- Nadine Bünzli, Ottikon (ZH), painter EFZ, skill painting and decorating
- Ian Hofer, Turbenthal (ZH), automation engineer EFZ, skill Industrie 4.0
- Fina Niebergall, Zurich (ZH), hotel communications specialist EFZ, skill hotel reception
Intensive preparation for international competition
Before the international competition in September, the young professionals undergo an intensive training program. In the coming months, they will invest around 1,000 hours in their preparation with the support of their experts, professional associations, employers, and team leaders. In addition to technical perfection, mental strength, team spirit, and endurance are in focus. Several joint weekends additionally strengthen team cohesion. The goal is clear: Switzerland should be among the most successful nations in Shanghai and also defend the title as the best European country.
Inspiration for an entire generation
The SwissSkills National Team is more than a selection of competitors. The young talents are ambassadors of their professions. With their commitment, they inspire youth to embark on a professional path and make the most of their talents. Their stories show that professional excellence and passion can lead to something truly great.
More information can be found on our website: www.swiss-skills.ch/de/nationalteam
SwissSkills Foundation, Schwarztorstrasse 87, 3007
Bern
Media contact: Mirjam Hofstetter, Tel. +41 31 552 05 16
Mobile +41 78 773 77 92, media@swiss-skills.ch
www.swiss-skills.ch
Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Manu Friederich
Conclusion of this article: « Four Zurich Talents Represent Switzerland at WorldSkills 2026 »
SwissSkills
SwissSkills works in close collaboration with partner organisations to promote and further develop professional championships in Switzerland and enables young professionals to participate in international competitions (WorldSkills, EuroSkills) and makes the best young professionals visible in the media.
SwissSkills pursues three main objectives:
Excellence Promotion: SwissSkills promotes excellence in professional practice.
Experiencing Professions: SwissSkills enables especially young people to experience the diverse range of professions.
Image Promotion: SwissSkills helps to promote the image of vocational training in Switzerland and to enhance its reputation.
SwissSkills aims to complement other vocational education institutions and events by particularly appealing to emotions and highlighting the uniqueness of the dual vocational education system and career opportunities offered by vocational training in Switzerland.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: SwissSkills, Press release
Original article published on: Vier Zürcher Berufstalente vertreten die Schweiz an den WorldSkills 2026