AGVS: Experts from French-speaking Switzerland honored
AMBASSADOR MEETINGS This spring saw the completion of the first "Vehicle restorer with federal certificate" course in French-speaking Switzerland. Eleven people took the professional examination in automotive engineering.
Around fifty people - including family members and friends - attended the graduation ceremony at the Hilton Geneva Hotel & Conference Center.
Valentin Raymondaz (34) particularly appreciated the group cohesion during the two and a half years. "We were welded together," he said. And: "The lecturers were passionate and happy to pass on their knowledge."
Ludovic Traiber (31) added: "We learned interesting things, a lot of specific things about the mechanics of past eras."
Profession since 2015
Kywyo Calarusso (41) also greatly appreciated the exchange with fellow students and teachers during the practical courses. "Now I understand that patina increases the value of a vehicle."
The ceremony was then opened by Gilles van Mesdag, IgFS board member and coordinator for the courses in French-speaking Switzerland. "You have shown perseverance and discipline," he said to the graduates. Christian Ackermann, President of the IgFS, recalled that the first German-language "Vehicle restorer with federal certificate" course had started in Weinfelden in 2015. The training course had been developed by the Interessengemeinschaft Fahrzeugrestaurator (IgF), the body responsible for the skilled trade of maintaining and restoring historically valuable vehicles, in the fields of automotive engineering, car body plumbing and car body painting.
Preserving cultural assets
Charles-Albert Hediger, member of the AGVS Central Board, recalled the Geneva Motor Show that had taken place a few weeks earlier in the Palexo halls. "The more interesting part of the mini car show was a great exhibition of classic cars that have shaped a century of automotive history," he said. To the graduates: "Thanks to the skills you have acquired during your training, you can contribute to preserving the cultural heritage of classic cars - from the VW Golf to the Ferrari or Rolls-Royce."
Marcel Wyler, Chairman of the Examination Board, then presented the five graduates with their certificates. In addition to the specialists already mentioned, these are Cédric Fatio and Jonathan Loye as well as Samantha Loup, the only female graduate.
