On 24 June, the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) held the live discussion ‘Gender equality in apprenticeships: How can we close the gap in participation?’.

The live discussion explored how we can close the gap in participation between women and men in apprenticeships and encourage young people to take up career paths, irrespective of gender stereotypes. To this end, panellists from across Europe, representing the public and private sectors, came together to share their experiences on how we can enable women and men to realise their full potential through apprenticeships and across a range of occupations.

The live discussion was opened by Ann Vanden Bulcke, Policy Assistant at the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, who highlighted the importance and timeliness of discussing gender inequalities in apprenticeships and, more broadly, in employment.

The live discussion also included the following speakers:

• Aneta Petrovska-Rusomaroski, Head of Human Resources and Organisation at EVN Macedonia;
• Christina Haaf, Head of International Cooperation at the Competence Center Technology-Diversity-Equal Opportunities;
• Mari Haave Sveen, Chief Adviser in Responsible Business Conduct at Oslo’s Municipal Undertaking for Cultural and Sports Facilities;
• Maria Manuel Ribeiro, International Internships Coordinator at Lisbon City Council;
• William Hammonds, discussion moderator.

The panel highlighted how the problem of gender inequality has multiple layers. Speakers noted practical barriers, such as lack of separate facilities on construction sites, as well as discriminatory practices like occupational segregation and salary gaps. The panel also noted the issue of gender stereotypes in employment, which are deeply rooted in our societies and, often, in the advice given to apprentices by career advisors and families.

The live discussion also presented the findings of the recent EU study ‘Gender behaviour and its impact on education outcomes (with a special focus on the performance of boys and young men)’. François Staring, Senior Research Manager at Ecorys, highlighted how stereotypes across many layers of society, including an association between masculinity and certain economic sectors, contribute to differences in participation between men and women in apprenticeships.

The EU has made significant progress on gender equality over the last decades. However, gender gaps remain and, therefore, gender equality continues to be an important topic for EAfA. At the European level, for example, the jury of the annual EAfA awards uses a gender-balanced approach when selecting the nominees. Furthermore, one of the key priorities of the European Apprentices Network is non-discrimination, which includes combating gender stereotypes that affect the promotion and take-up of apprenticeship placements.

Looking forward, the panel identified three important themes when it comes to addressing gender inequality in apprenticeships:

• the need for a multi-stakeholder approach throughout the whole value chain (including employer organisations, career guidance professionals, teachers, vocational education and training organisations, governmental agencies, and employers) to ensure that all play a role in addressing the gender gaps;
• the need to intervene early to challenge gender stereotypes limiting young people’s educational and employment choices;
• the importance of concrete actions to reform workplaces and practices to ensure that they are welcoming for all genders.

See the ‘Related documents’ section below to download the full report of the discussion. You can also watch the event recording.