Breaking Ground: Tackling Labour Shortages and Gender Imbalances in Construction

The construction sector is the backbone of Europe’s economic and social development, building not just infrastructure, but also opportunities for growth, innovation, and sustainability. Yet today it faces two pressing challenges: chronic labour shortages and a persistent gender imbalance.

Our recent transnational study, carried out under the Women Empowered in Construction (WEC) project, sheds light on these critical issues across seven countries: Ireland, Croatia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania.

The Labour Shortage Challenge

Across all countries studied, labour shortages are acute:

• Ireland needs an additional 80,000 workers – a 47% increase – to meet demand.
• Germany faces the largest absolute shortage, with projections of 100,000 unfilled roles by 2030.
• Croatia, Lithuania, and Montenegro also report critical gaps, with vacancies concentrated in skilled trades like plumbing, electrical work, and masonry.

These shortages are compounded by demographic decline, ageing workforces, and emigration. For example, Lithuania expects its working-age population to shrink by 30% by 2050. Meanwhile, many countries rely on migrant labour to fill gaps, creating both opportunities and dependencies.

The Gender Gap: A Wasted Opportunity

Despite the demand for workers, women remain starkly underrepresented in construction. The study found female participation clustered between 8–14% of the workforce across most countries – and below 5% in Albania

Even in progressive labour markets, women on construction sites remain rare:

• In Germany and Ireland, women make up less than 2% of on-site trades.
• In Croatia, women account for just 10.2% of workers, mostly in administrative roles
• In Albania, fewer than 600 female students were enrolled in construction vocational schools compared to over 4,000 male peers

This imbalance is not just a social issue – it’s an economic one. As industry leaders have warned, Europe “cannot afford to leave half the talent on the sidelines.”

Why This Matters

The research makes it clear:

• Labour shortages are not only about numbers, but also about skills mismatches. Demand is rising for digital and green construction competencies, yet training pipelines remain weak.
• Gender segregation continues to limit diversity, innovation, and resilience in the sector. Without change, half of Europe’s potential workforce will remain underutilized.

The Way Forward

Our report highlights several strategic recommendations:

• Reform vocational education: Modernize training curricula, promote construction careers early, and strengthen school-to-work pathways.
• Promote women in construction: Scholarships, mentorship, and awareness campaigns can challenge stereotypes and open doors.
• Improve working conditions: Safer sites, ergonomic tools, and flexible arrangements can make construction more attractive for all.
• Policy collaboration: Governments, industry, and education providers must coordinate to bridge the skills gap and make the sector inclusive

Building an Inclusive Future

The Women Empowered in Construction (WEC) project is committed to addressing these challenges. By developing innovative training programs, sharing best practices, and promoting diversity, we aim to transform the sector into one that is sustainable, equitable, and future-ready.

The findings are clear: solving labour shortages and closing the gender gap in construction is not just about fairness – it’s about securing the sector’s future and driving Europe’s green and digital transition.