We’re Manuel and Robert, two trainees at Müller Martini who will be participating in SwissSkills in Bern this September. Manuel as an automation technician, Robert as a precision mechanic. Anticipation levels are high and preparations are underway. Luckily, we have a strong training company at our side with Müller Martini, providing us with valuable support along the way.
Manuel: “I can throw myself into it, thanks to Müller Martini”
I’m in my fourth year of training as an automation technician and took an interest in SwissSkills early on, after hearing about the event at a career fair. My trainer Janick Suter motivated me to give it a try. And now I’m one of the top twelve automation technicians competing in Bern.
Preparations are in full swing: We have our own room at Müller Martini, equipped with everything we need – including a projector and new MPS (modular production system) stations, where we can mount and program different modules. Twice a week, I train there with my teammate – we’re participating as a team of two. In mid-August, we took part in a test competition at the vocational school in Interlaken, under real test conditions – under time pressure and observation. It was a simulation of the event in Bern, with someone constantly walking past you, observing, checking you – it definitely helped prepare us mentally.
What I really appreciate: Müller Martini not only provides the infrastructure, but also covers the costs for room and board. My trainer even organized a special panel where we can prepare the visualization and control system, including standards and data sheets. We have everything at hand and can focus on the competition. Support from previous WorldSkills participants is also worth its weight in gold – they give us tips to help with organizing, troubleshooting, and mental preparation.
I invest two to three days a week in preparing. It’s a lot of fun, and I’m constantly thinking about how I can keep improving. Developing a routine is really important – setting up the stations or handling tools. My goal? No doubt about it: a spot on the podium!
Robert: “I benefit from tons of expertise – and from real-world experience”
I’m also in my fourth year of training, as a precision mechanic. A successful senior apprentice motivated me to participate, and now I am one of the final eight competing in Bern. For me, SwissSkills is a huge opportunity to put my abilities to the test – and I look forward to the challenge.
My preparations are pretty hands-on: I’m working with real test drawings and test parts, practicing programming, and learning how to handle workpieces with maximum efficiency and accuracy. I participated in an introduction to the competition machine in Winterthur. In addition, my trainer Martin Richner put me in touch with a former WorldSkills participant. He gave me valuable tips for saving time and avoiding mistakes – during tool measurement or machine setup, for example. That really helped me.
For me, it’s mostly about programming. I’m practicing how to prepare programs cleanly so that I can load and run them directly on the machine using a USB stick. This saves me time during setup. I’m actively training spatial reasoning and 3D visualization skills, which helps me to plan workpieces efficiently and recognize any errors early on. Mathematical understanding and mental math are also important for working precisely under time pressure.
I invest time each week in preparing and deliberately work under time pressure to get used to the competitive environment. At Müller Martini, I began working with real customer orders early on, which helped me develop discipline and to remain focused under pressure. My goal? Same for me: a top 3 finish!
SwissSkills – more than just a competition
From September 17 to 21, 2025, over 1,100 young talents in over 90 professions compete. SwissSkills isn’t just a competition. It’s a world of experience for trainees, with around 120,000 visitors expected.
We’re super excited to participate – and want to thank Müller Martini for the outstanding support. Without it, it wouldn’t have been possible to prepare so intensively or professionally.
Manuel Lüthi and Robert Ceni