The construction industry is increasingly reporting labour shortages in most of the EU Member States. This trend was confirmed after the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased the tightness on the labour market and led to a high demand for workers.  According to the Employment and Social developments in Europe Report, in 2023, labour shortages in construction are now nearly three times the level observed 10 years ago.

The Women Empowered in Construction (WEC) project aims to empower women in the construction industry across the Western Balkans and the European Union through innovative vocational education and training (VET) programs. By addressing gender disparities and aligning with the priorities of the Torino Process of adapting VET to labor market needs and increasing flexibility in vocational education, WEC seeks to enhance the participation of women in construction, promote gender equality and contribute to the sustainable development of the industry in the region.

Having more diverse people in the industry and inside the organisation, coupled with an inclusive culture, always means an access to different ideas about the way to do things and how to grow business further.

Through implementation of the WEC project, we are aiming to: develop research about labour shortages and gender imbalance in construction by using data from participating countries, but also through analysing existing policies and realities at the general EU and WB level; develop online educational WEC platform; develop 4 VET curriculum models tailored to the needs of the women in construction industry; develop 4 online courses; organise international training activity for representatives and staff members of partner organisations, develop toolkit with practical workshops for VET educators, develop animated video guides for educators, organise awareness raising events in all local communities with involvement of VET providers and construction companies; and share project results with wider community through final online project conference.