WorldSkills: Diploma for Damian Schmid

With this top ranking, the 20-year-old from Toggenburg in Nesslau SG underlined the high quality of basic vocational training in the automotive industry. Damian Schmid: "I'm a little disappointed. After the intensive preparation, I was expecting a medal. It's a shame that it wasn't enough."

Strong performance in electronics and electrics
Olivier Maeder, Head of Training at the Swiss Automobile Industry Association (AGVS): "Damian didn't get the maximum out of two or three of the tasks, but he can still be satisfied with his performance. Damian was particularly strong in vehicle electrics and electronics as well as in locating and rectifying engine faults."
As an automotive mechatronics technician specializing in commercial vehicles, Damian Schmid has to deal with much heavier equipment in his everyday life than at WorldSkills, where he only works on passenger cars.

Just seven points short of the podium
In the end, it was competitors from Russia, China and Taiwan who were allowed to collect their medals in the pouring rain of Kazan, Russia. In the final standings, the Swiss was only just behind the strong Asians. With a total score of 746 points, Schmid missed out on the podium by just seven points.
The Swiss Garagekeepers' Association supported Damian Schmid on site; in addition to Olivier Maeder, expert Flavio Helfenstein also traveled to Russia. The garage mechanic from Hildisrieden LU won the gold medal at WorldSkills 2011 and worked intensively with Damian Schmid in the run-up to the World Skills Championships in Kazan (AutoSprintCH reported).

Swiss team won 16 medals
In total, around 1600 young professionals from 63 countries competed in a total of 56 competitions. The WorldSkills in the capital of the semi-autonomous Republic of Tatarstan was the largest event of its kind to date. The Swiss delegation comprised 41 participants, plus 42 experts and three team leaders. The Swiss won a total of 16 medals in Kazan, including five gold medals, and 13 diplomas.

Bronze medal for printer Dario Colucci
One of the lucky winners was St. Gallen printing technologist Dario Colucci from the Galledia Print AGwhose performance in Kazan was rewarded with a bronze medal. AutoSprintCH is published by Galledia Fachmedien AG.

Dario Colucci on his competition tasks in Kazan:
I have to solve complex problems with the computer simulation of a printing press. I printed several jobs on offset and digital presses and cut them on one machine. Secondly, I had to mix and print a color according to a pattern. And thirdly, I carried out various maintenance tasks such as adjusting rollers and changing blankets.

The next goals after WorldSkills

Dario Colucci: I would like to continue working in my profession and possibly start further training.

The AutoSprintCH team would like to wish the colleague the best of luck in his future career.

agvs-upsa.ch
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