Vocational Education and Training (VET) is central to preparing Europe’s workforce for the demands of rapidly evolving industries. Yet despite continuous reform efforts, VET systems across the EU face persistent challenges: outdated teaching methods, weak alignment with labor market needs, and slow adoption of digital technologies. These shortcomings are particularly visible in sectors where women remain severely underrepresented, such as construction. Addressing gender inequality in VET is not just about fairness—it is a matter of economic necessity for an industry facing significant skills shortages.
Across the EU, women represent less than 11% of the workforce, and even fewer occupy skilled trades or leadership positions. Much of this imbalance originates in the VET pipeline. Vocational training in Europe is still highly gender-segregated: men dominate construction-related tracks, while women are steered toward fields like healthcare, childcare, and services (Eurostat, 2022). Such stereotyping discourages young women from pursuing construction careers and perpetuates the idea that building sites are male-only domains (European Commission, 2020).
For those women who do enter the sector, barriers still remain. Workplace cultures often reinforce bias, with women frequently reporting experiences of “sexism, discrimination and unequal pay”, which limit their advancement opportunities (Neethling, 2023). Experiences of harassment further contribute to high turnover, with many women leaving the sector altogether.
Another persistent issue across the EU is the limited integration of digital tools into VET. Virtual simulations, e-learning platforms, and digital assessment tools can enhance skill development, but many instructors lack the training to use them effectively (DDBSL Project, 2022). Without widespread digital adoption, learners miss opportunities to develop competencies that are increasingly central to modern construction practices, from BIM modeling to automated site management.
At the same time, the construction industry is grappling with a major labor shortage. According to the European Labour Authority, nearly all EU countries report difficulties filling skilled construction positions, particularly in areas requiring digital and green skills (European Labour Authority, 2025). This paradox—skills shortages alongside untapped female talent—highlights why reform is urgent. Without tackling the barriers women face in both training and the workplace, the EU risks leaving a large part of its workforce potential underutilized.
Consequently, systemic change is needed and VET curricula must be modernized to include not only technical and digital skills but also awareness of gender inclusivity. Educators require professional development to challenge stereotypes and encourage female participation. Closer collaboration between training providers and employers is essential to ensure women gain meaningful, practical experience in supportive environments. Importantly, policies must also address workplace barriers—ensuring equal pay, safe working conditions, and career progression opportunities for women.
In conclusion, reforming VET for inclusivity is about more than training; it is about reshaping an industry. Europe’s construction sector cannot afford to exclude half of its potential workforce, especially at a time of acute skills shortages. By breaking down stereotypes in education and tackling discrimination in the workplace, ConstructHer Future can help build a construction sector that is not only more equitable, but also more resilient and competitive in the years ahead.
Fundacja “Fundusz Inicjatyw”
References:
Eurostat. (2022). Jobs with the highest share of women in Q3 2021. Eurostat. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/products-eurostat-news/-/edn-20220304-1
European Commission. (2024 October 17) Addressing gender inequality in VET. School Education Gateway. https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/en/discover/news/gender-inequality-vet
Neethling, L. (2023, April 15). It is a fact: women are severely underrepresented in the construction industry. RLB. https://www.rlb.com/americas/insight/perspective-2023-vol-1/women-in-construction-the-fight-against-inequality/
DDBS-Learning Project. (2024, February 11). Navigating the frontier: The current knowledge of adult educators and VET trainers in distance learning for practical skills. DDBS-Learning. https://ddbsl-project.eu/en/navigating-the-frontier-the-current-knowledge-of-adult-educators-and-vet-trainers-in-distance-learning-for-practical-skills
European Labour Authority. (2025, June 27). Labour shortages and surpluses in Europe 2024. European Labour Authority. https://www.ela.europa.eu/en/publications/labour-shortages-and-surpluses-europe-2024
