WorldSkills Liechtenstein

What happens when young people turn their craft into a stage—and an entire country cheers them on? Dr. Stefan Sohler and Yannick Schädler talk about passion, precision, and the power of vocational training.

The arena is noisy. Machines hum, metal glints, the participants’ eyes are fixed on their workpieces, and the tension is palpable. Cameras click. Hundreds of young people from all over the world stand at their workbenches, deeply concentrated, focused on what they do best: their craft. In the audience, one person holds his breath—Yannick Schädler, a polymechanic from Liechtenstein. He knows exactly what is going through the minds of these young professionals right now. He has experienced it himself: the thrill when the competition begins, when every move counts and the whole country is on the edge of its seat.

Yannick Schädler describes the experience this way: “It’s like a second education. You learn an enormous amount, not only professionally but also personally. Mental training, discipline, and dealing with pressure—these things shape you for life.”

The excitement builds with each passing day, he recalls: “On the first day, we were able to settle in and set up our machines and computers—moments full of excitement. Then, in the evening, came the grand opening ceremony. Walking into an arena like that is simply impressive and unforgettable.”

The first day of competition is intense: spectators, photographers, the media—and then the first module. Even at this early stage, it becomes clear just how important mental strength is. A minor technical glitch with my machine really put me to the test. Moments like that push you to your mental limits. You don’t know right away whether the lost time will be made up. That’s exactly when you realize how important training is.

The final day is the highlight: the final whistle. Every competitor has to stop the machine—no matter where they are. The thrill is incredible. What was especially touching for me: my whole family was there in Graz at EuroSkills when I took second place. Moments and memories I’ll never forget.

"It's an incredible feeling to be able to compete against the very best from such a small country. The pandemic, the postponements, the unusual training conditions—all of that made things even more challenging. But the support from the instructors, the close collaboration with the experts, and the mutual trust make this journey so valuable and unique. It's a great opportunity for us as participants and for the experts."

Today, Yannick Schädler is on the other side. As a mentor, he guided the new participants in EuroSkills, the European vocational skills competitions that, together with WorldSkills, provide a platform for the world’s best young skilled workers. What takes place here is far more than just a competition. It is a commitment to vocational training, and Liechtenstein is right in the thick of it.

An idea that spread around the world

Stefan Sohler, Managing Director of AIBA—the Agency for International Educational Affairs—and, since 2010, Director and Official Delegate of WorldSkills Liechtenstein, knows the history of this movement better than almost anyone else.

“WorldSkills is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year,” he says. “The idea originated in Spain and Portugal after the war. There weren’t enough people interested in skilled trades, so the founders of WorldSkills wanted to demonstrate how valuable vocational training is—for the trainees, for parents, for teachers, and for society.”

What began as a small competition featuring twelve trades has grown into a global success story. Today, 86 nations participate, with around 1,600 young people competing each year in over 60 trades. Behind the scenes, more than 100,000 talented individuals prepare for the competition through national qualifying rounds. Everyone who competes at WorldSkills is the best in their country. These are top-level athletic achievements—except that here, you only get one shot in a lifetime.

“Liechtenstein has been a continuous participant since 1968. What began back then as a bold move by a small country is now a testament to reliability, quality, and a passion for dual vocational training. Our strength lies in our openness—openness to all professions and to every training company. What really matters is the determination and the passion you put into it,” says Stefan Sohler proudly.

Small nation, big impact

Since 2019, Liechtenstein has also been participating in EuroSkills, the European vocational skills competitions held every two years. Due to the pandemic, the EuroSkills originally scheduled for 2020 were postponed to 2021 in Graz; in 2023, the team competed in Gdańsk; and in 2025, EuroSkills took place in Herning, Denmark. You can only participate once—in either EuroSkills or WorldSkills. Yannick Schädler is one of the few who has managed to do both.

“I completed my apprenticeship as a polymechanic in 2020, and then the pandemic hit—a difficult time, but also an opportunity. I was able to focus entirely on my training,” he says. In 2021, Yannick Schädler competed at EuroSkills in Graz and won a silver medal. A year later, at WorldSkills in Leonberg, he received a diploma of excellence as the top European in his field.

He talks about long evenings in the workshop, programming sessions in his home office, and constantly measuring himself against the world’s best. “Mental strength is crucial. When a machine breaks down and you don’t know if you’ll be credited with the time, you have to stay calm. That’s exactly what you train for—mentally, technically, and personally.”

The path to success is built on trust

The fact that talented individuals like Yannick Schädler can pursue this path is also due to the close collaboration between WorldSkills Liechtenstein, the companies, and the experts. “We usually identify potential participants a year and a half in advance,” explains Stefan Sohler. “Then an intensive preparation phase begins—with national and international training sessions, often in collaboration with Switzerland.”

These partnerships are invaluable: We are a small country, but we have strong partners and highly dedicated businesses. We need mentors who support their young people, give them the freedom to grow, and believe in them.

"The training is demanding. The young professionals practice on unfamiliar machines, learn new technologies, and adapt to international standards. All of this greatly fosters personal development. In the end, it’s not just about medals. It’s about our young professionals gaining self-confidence, surpassing their own limits—and representing Liechtenstein with pride."

When learning becomes a passion

Today, Yannick Schädler works in research and development at Hilti’s Innovation Center. After completing his apprenticeship, he went on to earn an additional qualification as a design engineer—graduating at the top of his class in Eastern Switzerland with a grade of 5.8 and earning a spot in the Golden Book. At the same time, he is pursuing a degree as a certified mechanical engineer (HF). Yet his connection to the Skills program remains strong.

“I was back in Herning recently—this time to cheer on Hannah Oberparleiter, who was competing for Liechtenstein,” he says. “When the final whistle blew, I was just as nervous as I was back when I was competing myself.”

What drives him isn’t the glory of winning medals, but the experience that stays with him. “You learn to handle pressure, take on responsibility, and make tremendous progress in a short amount of time. That opens doors—in your career and in life.”

And doors do indeed open: Many former participants go on to become sought-after professionals, take on leadership roles, or share their knowledge as experts.

A brand that stands for something

AIBA sees itself not only as an organizer, but also as a bridge-builder—connecting education, business, and international exchange. As an umbrella organization, AIBA integrates the National Agency for the EU programs Erasmus+ and ESK, as well as the office of WorldSkills Liechtenstein. As a partner of Liechtenstein Marketing, it embodies what sets Liechtenstein apart internationally: quality, innovation, reliability, and a willingness to share knowledge.

“When you share knowledge, it doubles,” says Stefan Sohler. “That’s exactly what we embody at WorldSkills. We show the world what’s possible with the power of skills—‘Improving the world with the power of skills.’ Currently, young professionals from Liechtenstein are in the qualification phase for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. In two years, EuroSkills will take place in Germany and Luxembourg, and in 2028, Japan will host WorldSkills. We look forward to welcoming many young professionals who want to take advantage of this unique opportunity for professional development. It is a great chance to showcase their talents, gain experience, and represent Liechtenstein on the international stage.

"Since 1968, Liechtenstein has fielded over 200 participants, won 50 medals, and earned more than 70 certificates of achievement. And each of these results is more than just a number; it is proof that competence is not a matter of a country’s size."

Courage. Skill. Expertise from Liechtenstein.

Whenever Yannick Schädler meets young people today who are considering entering the vocational skills competitions, he always says the same thing: “Go for it. It’s worth it—every step, every challenge.”

WorldSkills and EuroSkills are more than just competitions. They symbolize what happens when passion, skill, and team spirit come together.

These young professionals from Liechtenstein demonstrate that excellence knows no bounds. And that true strength begins when you believe in your abilities with all your heart and share them with the world.