Despite progress in gender equality, women remain underrepresented in many vocational education and training (VET) fields, particularly in STEM and technical disciplines. Gendered career choices persist, influenced by societal norms and structural barriers.
To address this, several European countries have launched initiatives to break stereotypes, encourage gender balance, and promote inclusion in VET and lifelong learning.
Persistent gender gaps in VET
In 2022, 49% of EU upper secondary students were enrolled in vocational programmes, with male participation in IVET (55.8%) significantly higher than female (41.9%). While this trend persists across most countries—particularly in Italy, Poland, and Germany, where the gender gap is widest—some are beginning to reverse it, with Ireland standing out as the only country where more women than men enrol in VET.
Across Europe, female graduates in STEM subjects remain scarce: engineering (7.1% of the total graduates in the subject), architecture and construction (12.6%), ICT (2.5%), natural science, mathematics and statistics (15.4%). This continues to hinder both the attractiveness and equality of VET. Conversely, certain VET fields are predominantly female, such as health (83.1%), welfare (86.6%), and education (96.3%). Traditional gender preferences and structural barriers still shape vocational choices.
However, some countries are forging a new path to challenge stereotypes and foster inclusivity in VET through initiatives to shift these trends.
National initiatives driving change
Across Europe, several countries are implementing bold policies and campaigns to challenge gender norms and boost female participation in traditionally male-dominated VET fields.
Ireland – ‘Fact, Faces, Futures’: This campaign showcases diverse female role models and success stories to encourage girls to consider apprenticeships, leading to a significant rise in women’s registrations.
Austria – Promoting gender equality in apprenticeships: Austria has seen a sharp increase in female apprentices thanks to initiatives like the Digital Pioneers project, which trains young women in programming, digital skills, and business innovation. The Austrian Economic Chamber also funds projects supporting women in non-traditional fields, while Women Entrepreneurs Go to School (since 2017) inspires girls to pursue entrepreneurial careers.
Germany – ‘Cliché-free Initiative’: This nationwide programme provides schools, parents, and companies with resources to promote gender-neutral career choices.
Netherlands – ‘Become who you are’: Supported by the government, this alliance highlights inspiring female role models to break stereotypes around study choices. The government has also partnered with employers and schools to boost female participation in technical fields and ICT, as outlined in the 2023 Green and Digital Jobs Action Plan.
Sweden – ‘Science and technology for all’: This programme develops materials and activities to increase interest in STEM subjects, especially among women, who remain underrepresented. In 2022, Sweden also introduced curricular changes to challenge traditional gender roles and combat sexism and sexual harassment.
A future of equal opportunities in VET
Policies fostering gender equality in VET and lifelong learning are essential to ensuring that all individuals can access and benefit from quality education and career opportunities. By sharing best practices and implementing targeted interventions, European countries are paving the way for a more inclusive, diverse, and competitive workforce.
Cedefop continues to support these efforts by promoting policy learning, research, and knowledge exchange, ensuring that vocational education becomes a true engine of equal opportunities for all.
