Niklas Bambor qualifies for the WorldSkills 2026 in Shanghai
Sometimes an extraordinary journey begins quite simply: with an interest in computers, a few computer science classes at school – and the decision to start an apprenticeship.
For Niklas Bambor, now a Junior Engineer at aobis, this path has led him all the way to the international stage of the WorldSkills in Shanghai in September 2026 – the global championship for professional skills.
First steps: Training at aobis
Niklas grew up in Bad Wiessee and started his apprenticeship as a Fachinformatiker für Systemintegration (IT Specialist for System Integration) at aobis in Kreuth-Weißach.
Early on it became clear that working in IT was more than just a job for him.
“I’ve always been interested in computers. In high school that interest really developed further during computer science classes – and after my internship I knew I wanted to do this professionally.”
A key element of training at aobis is the Apprenticeship Program.
During the first year, all apprentices complete a structured training phase in which they acquire the essential technical and organizational skills within six months – enabling them to actively work on customer projects.
For Niklas, this experience was particularly formative:
“Even in the first year of the apprenticeship you are already involved in projects. At first you mainly support the team, but quite quickly you start taking on your own tasks and have to think about how to solve problems yourself.”
The first competition: German Championship “WorldSkills Germany 2025”
Niklas’ entry into the world of professional competitions happened almost by coincidence.
Through his vocational school, he learned about the opportunity to participate in the German Championship “IT Network Systems Administration” organized by WorldSkills Germany.
His expectations were modest at first.
“My goal was simply not to finish last and to see where I stand compared to others.”
But things turned out differently.
Niklas finished third place, opening the door to the international competition pathway of WorldSkills.
The road to WorldSkills 2026
The competitions demand a lot from the participants.
In addition to Windows and networking technologies, topics such as Linux, automation, and complex network architectures are part of the challenge.
Some of these areas were new to Niklas at the time.
So he began preparing intensively.
“I spent many evenings taking online courses and practicing with old competition tasks to familiarize myself with new topics.”
Qualifying through SpainSkills for WorldSkills 2026
Another important milestone on the journey to the world championship was the SpainSkills 2026 competition in Madrid.
Normally, the best young professionals from across Spain compete there. Around 550 participants from many different professions were present – ranging from IT and crafts to hospitality and gastronomy.
Two German participants were invited as guests. Their results determined who would represent Germany at the upcoming WorldSkills in Shanghai.
In the end, Niklas achieved the better result.
This meant one thing:
He would become part of Team Germany of WorldSkills Germany.
“We are incredibly proud of Niklas Bambor and his achievement. Qualifying for the WorldSkills shows the potential that young IT talents have when they are given responsibility and real hands-on experience early on. For us, this success confirms our training approach and motivates us to continue supporting young professionals with the same dedication. We are very much looking forward to accompanying Niklas on his journey to the world championship in Shanghai and supporting him as best as possible in his preparation.”
Fabio Hoffmann, Managing Director aobis
Training for the WorldSkills 2026 in Shanghai
The WorldSkills 2026 will take place from September 22–27 in Shanghai and are considered the world’s largest international competition for professional skills.
Until then, a busy schedule lies ahead:
- Training sessions with the German national team
- International preparation meetings
- Practice competitions in China and across Europe
Niklas has a clear goal for Shanghai:
“My goal is to achieve a Medal of Excellence. To receive that, you have to score above the international median. Bringing home such an award would be a great success.”
More than just a competition
Beyond the personal challenge, Niklas also sees a broader value in competitions like these.
“In many countries these competitions have a much higher profile than they do in Germany. But you learn an incredible amount, make valuable connections, and grow professionally.”
His advice to young IT professionals:
“If you have the opportunity to take additional courses or participate in competitions during your apprenticeship, you should definitely take it. You have nothing to lose.”
We’re cheering him on
At aobis, we are proud to see how far Niklas has come since starting his apprenticeship.
We will continue to follow his journey all the way to the world championship in September – and we are keeping our fingers crossed for Shanghai.
What are the WorldSkills?
The WorldSkills are often described as the “Olympics of Skills”. Young professionals from more than 80 countries compete in a wide range of disciplines.
Learn more at worldskills.org.
Start your career in IT
Niklas’ journey shows what is possible when a passion for technology meets hands-on experience.
At aobis, every apprenticeship begins with our Apprenticeship Program. During the first six months, apprentices learn the essential foundations before gradually taking responsibility in real customer projects.
Interested in starting your own career in IT?
👉 Discover our apprenticeship and career opportunities at aobis