From Summa to Shanghai: Lize de Wildt ready for WorldSkills

In September, Summa student Lize de Wildt will represent the Netherlands at WorldSkills 2026 in Shanghai, the world championship for vocational skills. The Pastry student is among the best young professionals in our country and will compete against international rivals. In the run-up to the World Championship, WorldSkills Netherlands spoke with Lize about her path to the national title, her love for the profession, and the intensive preparation for the world's biggest stage for craftsmanship.

With over 300 hours of training, a well-thought-out plan, and a healthy dose of perseverance, Lize stepped onto the competition floor at Skills The Finals. What started as 'participating for the experience' grew into an impressive journey toward the top of her profession: best student pastry chef in the Netherlands.

The path to the profession was anything but straightforward for Lize. She started out in pre-university education, but soon realized that it didn't suit her. “It made me really unhappy,” she says. Eventually, she dropped out and spent some time at home. During that period, she went in search of what did suit her.

“I tried all sorts of things: woodworking, painting, working with clothes. But then I ended up baking.” She started working at a local bread and pastry bakery and discovered her passion there. “I had to start at five o’clock, so that was tough. But I loved it right away.”

What started as a part-time job quickly grew into a serious ambition. Lize took additional courses in patisserie and eventually enrolled in the Bread and Pastry program at Summa in Eindhoven. A conscious choice, despite the four-hour daily commute. “The atmosphere and the level appealed to me the most there. That’s what I do it for.”

When Lize decided to enter the professional competitions, she didn't necessarily set the bar high for herself yet. “I actually entered for the experience.” During the preliminary round at school, she competed against about fifteen fellow students, including pastry students. To her own surprise, she emerged as the winner.

The qualifying competition in Gouda was a different story. “That wasn’t my day. My cookies even fell on the floor there.” Nevertheless, she managed to qualify for the Dutch Championship. “I finished fifth, so it didn’t go perfectly, but I did learn a lot from it.”

For the National Championships, things changed. Lize trained intensively and worked out her assignment in detail. “We received the assignments about six weeks in advance. Among other things, we had to make chocolates and two identical desserts. That was when I started sketching, making plans, and developing the showpiece.”

The result was an impressive creative piece centered around the theme of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. “I made a kind of fairy tale book with elements such as Snow White’s apple, Sleeping Beauty’s rose, and a witch’s cottage.”

The victory meant not only the national title, but also a ticket to WorldSkills Shanghai. It will be her first trip outside Europe, which is quite exciting. “It is a long flight, of course, but otherwise it is just a wonderful experience. And it helps to get to know the country and the culture a little bit in advance.”

Her adventure is also being fully embraced at home. “My parents were there at Skills The Finals and will probably come along to Shanghai as well. That makes it extra special.” The support of her family means a lot to her. “They have always supported me in what I do.”

Despite all the new impressions, she remains grounded in her success. She does think about the future, but without pressure. “Maybe I’ll compete again next year, but that will feel different. You can’t finish any higher than this.” For now, the focus is on what’s to come. “First to Shanghai,” she says with a laugh. “And just give it my all again there.”