Luxembourg: megaLab 2025 links vocational training and gender equality

Building a fairer, more equal, and diverse world of work

Led by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Diversity (MEGA), this initiative builds on the work of Actions Positives. It provided a space for mutual exchange where young people explored the realities of the working world, while professionals and organisations learned about their expectations, values, and priorities.

Vocational training fights gender stereotypes

The workshop ‘From Stereotypes to Skills’ (Vu Klischeeën zu Kompetenz) was organised by the Vocational Training Service of the Ministry of National Education, Children and Youth. The hands-on workshop offered practical experience in fields such as automotive mechanics, hairdressing, and aesthetics. Guided by vocational students, participants explored practical skills in a supportive and gender-inclusive environment. This showcased the diversity within vocational education and training (VET) and demonstrated how vocational training can actively challenge gender stereotypes.

Participants also had the opportunity to test a playful career-orientation tool available at www.shapeyourfuture.lu. Using simple and concrete questions, the tool helped primary and secondary school students reflect on their skills, interests, and potential career paths without gender stereotypes or preconceived notions. The interactive approach proved popular and encouraged conversations that could continue at home, in classrooms, or among peers.

Events such as megaLab 2025 illustrate the role of VET in building a more inclusive, equal, and respectful world of work. By combining practical workshops with career guidance tools, the event showed how young people can gain confidence, develop skills, and explore diverse career opportunities while promoting gender equality and breaking down stereotypes in education and employment.

Read more:

• Press release: Vocational Training Fights Gender Stereotypes (in French)