Assessment of the training needs demanded by women undergoing or who have completed vocational training cycles in masculinized professional families: The case of Galicia

Abstract

This research study focuses on gender issues in training schemes, as well as the labor supply and access by women to certain professional sectors. The study first analyzes the train- ing and labor insertion processes of women in industrial branches of vocational training in Galicia, and assesses the perceptions towards gender issues of the stakeholders involved in these training and professional paths. A methodology combining questionnaires, structured interviews and focus groups was used. Among others, the results allowed us to identify curriculum content that addresses the issue of gender equality, as well as the knowledge and skills related to equality that the women develop over the course of their academic training, their labour insertion processes and the difficulties and discrimination they encounter along their career paths. We conclude that there is a lack of interest in these issues in both society and education. More specifically, the business sector is reluctant to modify and/or eradicate gender stereotypes and there are few initiatives to promote gender equality in these training centers and the work environment.