We are marking International Women's Day on 8 March 2025 by putting women in technical occupations in the spotlight. Although they make up only 15% of STEM professions (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in Austria, interest is growing steadily. Even so, obstacles remain.
WOMEN AT GOTTWALD
In the electrical trade, a sector traditionally dominated by men, women have become increasingly important in recent years. Their commitment and expertise not only drive technical progress, they also represent an important milestone towards equality and diversity in working life.
The proportion of female apprentices, which used to be consistently below 5%, has risen to 7% in recent years: that is very nearly 750 female apprentices across Austria. We at Gottwald are committed to diversity too: five young women are currently completing their apprenticeship as electrical technicians, and two female electrical fitters are a firm part of our team. Their example shows that electrical engineering is not a job reserved for men, but an industry with a future – for everyone.
One of them is Denise Wernbacher, our second-year electrical engineering apprentice. She told us why she chose to enter a male-dominated industry:
“Originally I planned to become a media designer. But an acquaintance drew my attention to the electrical technician apprenticeship. After a few taster days it was clear to me: this is the right job for me!”
But the apprenticeship is only the beginning. Anyone with the motivation can climb further up the career ladder at Gottwald – whether that means the master craftsman's certificate, becoming a technician or a project manager, we support our people in developing further. Women in engineering in particular have plenty of scope here to contribute and take on responsibility.
THE AMS FiT PROGRAMME
The FiT programme run by the Austrian employment service (AMS) also helps women move into technical occupations. It offers:
- Careers guidance: help in choosing a technical occupation.
- Funded training: support for apprenticeships with a low proportion of women.
- Support during training: help with getting started in engineering.
The aim is to spark women's enthusiasm for technical careers and open up long-term prospects for them.
ENGINEERING IS FOR EVERYONE
We are delighted that more and more young women are taking an interest in electrical engineering and starting technical training. In the end it does not matter whether you are a man or a woman – what counts is that you enjoy the craft. We actively encourage women in technical occupations and give them a thorough training. Every young woman who chooses electrical engineering is making an excellent decision – and we are glad to accompany her along the way!
Would you like to convince us with your own brand of female determination? Then apply now for your apprenticeship as an electrical technician!
Your contact
Alina Haberl
Apprenticeship officer
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