Sergio Attanasio – Take Control Now Podcast

In this episode of the Take Control Now podcast, I caught up with Sergio Attanasio, a former apprenticeship classmate I hadn't seen in over ten years. Sergio has an unconventional and inspiring journey: a baker-pastry chef turned IT professional after a forced career change, he is now an IT manager and teacher in Valais.

Who is Sergio?

Sergio Attanasio is 43 years old, of Italian-Spanish origin, and lives in Valais — his homeland that he loves passionately. He works as an IT manager at a vocational school in Valais and also teaches hands-on IT courses one day a week at a professional training centre.

A First Career Chosen by Default

As a child, Sergio dreamed of becoming a firefighter — inspired by the cartoon Grisou the Dragon. Then the army tempted him. But at the end of his schooling, with no clear plan, he started an apprenticeship as a baker-pastry chef in 1994, somewhat by default, thanks to a contact of his father's.

"I threw myself into it. I always try to see things through to the end."

He discovered night shifts, the atmosphere of bakeries, and racked up experiences: factory work, various bakeries, then a large Swiss department store where he worked in front of customers during continuous daytime shifts. Ten years in the trade, solid friendships — and no regrets.

The Allergy That Changed Everything

After several years, Sergio developed a flour allergy. First came the itching, the red patches, then breathing difficulties. The diagnosis was clear-cut: he had to stop.

"From one day to the next, they told me to stop."

This marked the beginning of a career transition supported by disability insurance (AI), which he describes as a genuine second chance. Despite the stigma associated with disability insurance at the time, Sergio praises a system that allowed him to start over from scratch.

"It's truly a second chance. It's a fantastic tool we have here."

The Career Switch to IT

A lifelong hardware enthusiast, Sergio suggested IT to his disability insurance adviser. They first proposed general mechanics — he refused. After memory tests related to a previous car accident, he finally got the green light.

In 2006, he left Valais for the canton of Vaud and joined the ORIF centre, where he landed an apprenticeship position in the IT department. Four years later, in 2011, he earned his Federal VET Diploma in IT (CFC). His former employer hired him straight away.

"At 26, starting an apprenticeship again — I couldn't have afforded it on my own. Without Swiss institutions, I would never have made it."

Specialisation, Project Management, and Back to Basics

Sergio specialised in systems and networks, earned his Federal Professional Certificate at ISEI in 2013, then moved into project management with a Hermès certification. After three years as a project manager, he realised he missed the technical side too much.

"It's not a step backwards. I tried something, I enjoyed it as much as I could. And I came back to my first love."

He returned to systems work, then seized an opportunity to move back to Valais around 2018-2019 as an IT manager. In parallel, he obtained his teaching certification at IFFP and began teaching at a vocational school.

"There's real satisfaction in knowing you've taught someone something. It's very rewarding."

His Vision and Advice

• A career change is not a failure: it's a second chance that the Swiss system makes possible, and you should seize it without shame
• Thrive on challenge: every stage of his career has been driven by the desire for a new challenge
• The Deming cycle: plan, do, check, act — a project management principle he applies to life
• Don't neglect your personal life: the advice he'd give his 20-year-old self, who was so obsessed with IT that he let everything else slide
• Value apprenticeships: a vocational path is not second-rate, and Switzerland's dual education system is a model envied worldwide

"Don't hesitate to do an apprenticeship. There's nothing degrading about it. Choose what you enjoy. And if you truly enjoy it, you'll succeed."

His Inspirations

• Warhammer 40,000 — his literary passion, devouring books from the Warhammer universe
• His IT friend, a network expert — who started from practically nothing and became a reference in the field
• His professional mentors — a manager who had worked at Microsoft and a supervisor who taught him negotiation and team leadership
• Valais — his favourite place on Earth (under threat of consequences if he says otherwise)

Where to Find Sergio

• LinkedIn: Sergio Attanasio

Conclusion

Sergio Attanasio's journey is a powerful demonstration of resilience and adaptability. From a baker's apprenticeship chosen by default to a fulfilling career in IT, through a forced career change and life setbacks, Sergio turned every obstacle into a stepping stone. His message is clear: the Swiss system offers real second chances, apprenticeships are a worthy path, and passion makes all the difference.

👉 An authentic, human episode full of common sense — one that will resonate with anyone considering a career change or doubting their own path.