On 24 June at 14:00 CEST, the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) will organise the live discussion ‘Gender equality in apprenticeships: How can we close the gap in participation?’.

Evidence shows that women are underrepresented in apprenticeship schemes, especially in certain sectors, such as engineering (in 2017, only 13% of learners in the field of engineering in the EU were women). The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impact on sectors with a high share of female apprentices, including education, healthcare, and the service sector.

But gender inequality does not only affect women. Men are under-represented in low-pay sectors such as childcare. According to Eurostat, in 2017, only 18% of learners in the field of health and welfare were men.

The gender gap in apprenticeships has been narrowed by different targeted measures, such as funding apprenticeship initiatives for young women in their early careers. However, measures are also needed to address other barriers like gender stereotyping, traditional gender roles, lack of career guidance, as well as safety concerns about sexual harassment and gender-based violence.

This live discussion will examine how the gender gap in the apprenticeship sector can be addressed and how apprenticeships can serve as a tool for promoting gender equality in employment. Key-questions that will be examined include:

• What role can apprenticeships play in promoting gender equality in the workplace?
• How can access to apprenticeships be improved in sectors where women and men are underrepresented?
• How can the image of apprenticeships be enchanced to widen participation of women in apprenticeships?

Our live discussion will be hosted by Ann Vanden Bulcke, Policy Assistant at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL). The event will be moderated by Dr William Hammonds, Senior Research Manager at Ecorys.

Speakers will include:

• Aneta Petrovska-Rusomaroski, Head of Department Human Resources and Organisation, EVN Macedonia;
• Christina Haaf, Head of International Cooperation, Girls' Day project, Competence Center Technology-Diversity-Equal Opportunities e. V. (kompetenzz);
• Mari Haave Sveen, Project Leader, PRIM, Oslo Municipality;
• Maria Manuel Mano Casal Ribeiro, Lisbon City Council.

How to participate

Register now for the live discussion