Volvo CE’s new Iron Women program aims to strengthen Ukraine rebuilding efforts by reskilling women in the workforce towards construction, in a region where the need for qualified operators is critical.
“The Iron Women program tackles our country’s challenges by equipping women with special skills that will enable them to take on a new, stable, and rewarding profession in the construction industry, a field traditionally dominated by men. It also helps grow a workforce critical for our nation’s societal development and rebuilding efforts in the long-term,” said Anastasia Marisenkova, program lead at ETS Group, Volvo CE’s long-standing retail partner in Ukraine since 2004.
Building on the success of a Volvo Trucks program begun in 2016
The Iron Women program builds on a concept originally introduced by Volvo Trucks in 2016, which has enabled over 700 women across 10 countries to enter the truck driving profession. Now, this successful model is being adapted for the construction equipment industry, with Volvo CE planning to roll out the program in several countries over the coming years in collaboration with local and regional partners.
Ukraine needs ongoing reconstruction efforts, while facing unemployment and labour market gaps. On completion, participants will earn a government-recognized certificate qualifying them to operate both excavators and wheel loaders, which will open doors to employment within construction and mining companies across Ukraine, says the company
The Iron Women program in Ukraine combines the strengths and contributions of its three key partners:
- Volvo CE brings cutting-edge technology to the table, providing essential training equipment and materials, including a Volvo simulator and several compact excavators and wheel loaders.
- ETS Group has established a training facility near Kyiv and will be leading the hands-on practical training for this program. With a strong track record of advancing industry skills in Ukraine, ETS ensures the program meets the highest standards of industry readiness.
- Beredskapslyftet, a Swedish non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing resources during crises, manages the participant selection process, promotes the program across Ukraine, and oversees the administrative aspects. Beredskapslyftet will ensure that the program reaches women most in need, including sole providers and family members of military personnel.
By the end of 2025, the Iron Women program aims to have trained at least 50 women in Ukraine, and Volvo CE already is actively setting up similar programs in other countries.
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