Europe’s best construction machinery mechanic: “Antoine is the emblematic figure of the entire company”

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“Here in the earthmoving department I prepared myself for the EuroSkills professional championships in Poland,” says Antoine Cottens. With success: The 22-year-old player from Vaud became the European champion in the “Construction Machinery Mechanical” category in September.

We visit him and the company he works for. This is the French-speaking Swiss branch of the multinational Liebherr, which produces, among other things, construction machinery. This branch is located in Daillens between Lausanne and Yverdon.

Cottens won the European title with sweat and thanks to the support of a well-coordinated team and understanding boss. “I really wasn’t expecting this award,” he says. “A very pleasant surprise. The time in Gdansk, Poland, where the championships took place, was also very emotional for me.

He is proud of his company

Antoine shows us the branch’s premises in French-speaking Switzerland. He opens the doors of a bright hall for us, we are in the excavation section. Up to seven large construction machines can be repaired here at the same time. He warmly greets colleagues with whom he may soon work again – he is currently on sick leave due to a football accident.

Cottens knows that the support of his team and his boss is an important part of success. “Honestly, I cannot even begin to understand the significance of my victory. The young man modestly explains: “Various individuals, including the Swiss Association of the Construction Machinery Industry (VSBM), asked me to present my experiences and daily working life with EuroSkills.”

Great support from the employer

His boss, 34-year-old Thomas Fässler, is head of earthmoving customer service in Western Switzerland and also accompanies us for a while. He enthusiastically describes the measures that contributed to Cottens’ victory: “From February to September 2023, we allocated time for him to attend various training courses. He was also sometimes tasked with slightly more complex tasks. And Liebherr was sending him to company training courses more often.”

Cottens also benefited from the company’s national and international network, particularly at its locations in Colmar, France and Kirchdorf, Germany. While abroad, young Vaudois honed his skills on tracked and wheeled excavators. «Antoine’s success is a perfect business card for us. We use this to make the profession better known both inside and outside. “His gold medal fills all of French-speaking Switzerland with pride.”

Fässler believes the EuroSkills winner’s career has inspired other trainees at the company. Perhaps even more will now apply to attend the next SwissSkills. “Having a mentor like Antoine by your side will definitely help you and continue to encourage young talent.”

On a journey of discovery in the New World

It is noteworthy that Cottens and Fässler get along well. When Cottens attended various training courses and was away from the company, he didn’t have to worry about work that might be left behind: “My boss made sure things went smoothly!” he says approvingly.

So what does the future look like? Antoine Cottens wants to continue practicing his profession and obtain a federal master’s degree, which Liebherr will finance for him. “Despite my gold medal, I am still the same and I want to improve further in my profession.” Ambitious Vaudois wants to stay with his current employer. «Thomas had the same apprenticeship as me. The position requires a master’s degree and management training. Who knows …”

As reward for his exemplary performance, the multinational company gave him a transatlantic flight and the right to visit the American Liebherr factory in Virginia. “A unique opportunity. I will combine this experience with some relaxation and slightly extend my stay in Uncle Sam’s country,” Antoine concludes. A truly well-deserved holiday.

Source : Blick