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How Future Female Builders Are Shaping Their Careers

Ukraine
27.03.2025
For many young women in construction, their journey begins with uncertainty. The physically demanding tasks and the male-dominated industry can feel overwhelming and challenging. Daria Mahera, a third-year student training to be a painter-plasterer and tiler, was no exception. "The first year of training was tough. I doubted my choice and thought, 'Why am I doing this?'" she recalls.

But as she received guidance from instructors and gained experience, her perspective shifted. Over time, Daria not only gained confidence in her skills but also developed a passion that led her to dream bigger – towards a future in design and architecture.

Her transformation is just one example of how the EdUP project is equipping young women in Ukraine with the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in construction careers.

Daria Mahera, a third-year student to be a painter-plasterer and tiler, pursues a career in design and architecture. 

"The first year of training was tough. I doubted my choice and thought, 'Why am I doing this? I don’t know anything about this profession. It’s hard work, carrying heavy materials all the time.'"

This is how the professional journey of Daria Mahera, a third-year student at Kramatorsk Vocational College studying to be a painter-plasterer and tiler, began. But over time, her perspective changed drastically.

"As I delved deeper into the profession, my instructors taught me a lot. I became interested and truly passionate about my work," Daria recalls.

Her breakthrough moment came with hands-on practice. Travelling to real construction sites and working with her own hands completely transformed her professional outlook.

"I realised that I enjoy this. I started thinking about further development and decided to pursue a career in design and architecture."

Career Path Training: Dream, Plan, Achieve

To support female graduates in construction trades and help them confidently enter the workforce, the EdUP project launched a specialised training programme: "Career Path: Dream, Plan, Achieve."

Career Path: Dream, Plan, Achieve. The specialised training programme launched by the EdUP project brought female graduates from vocational institutions institutions. 

The programme brought together female graduates from 14 vocational institutions across Ukraine, equipping them with self-presentation skills, professional development strategies and job search techniques.

During the training, participants:

  • Practised self-presentation skills, including CV writing, cover letter drafting and interview preparation
  • Took part in mock interviews with business experts, including managers from Cemark
  • Delivered final presentations before a jury of business leaders and EdUP project experts

Through these activities, participants showcased their strengths, demonstrated their skills and received professional feedback and career advice.

Female Graduates were equipped with self-presentation skills, professional development strategies and job search techniques. 
A jury of business leaders and EdUP project experts assessed the final presentations given by the Graduates.   

EdUP’s Impact on Vocational Education

Training programmes under the EdUP initiative address a critical issue – the lack of soft skills among vocational school graduates.

Key Benefits for Stakeholders

  • For Students: The programme helped participants develop essential career skills: leadership, communication, teamwork, time management, critical thinking, financial literacy and self-presentation. These skills enhance their competitiveness and prepare them for the construction industry.
  • For Vocational Institutions: The programme provided recommendations for effectively preparing female students for careers in construction and contributed to the development of career centre training programmes.
  • For Employers: Businesses gained access to better-prepared specialists with both technical expertise and strong soft skills, making it easier for graduates to integrate into the workforce and adapt to professional environments.

A Personal Perspective

"The training made me more confident and open. I now believe I can achieve my goals," Daria shares. "The trainers provided clear guidance on how to move forward, develop professionally and grow emotionally."

By empowering young women in construction, the EdUP project is shaping the future of vocational education in Ukraine and preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.

Empowering Women in Construction

The journey of young women like Daria Mahera proves that with the right support, training and confidence, barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries can be broken. Through hands-on experience, professional guidance and soft skills development, the EdUP project is not just helping women in construction enter the workforce—it is shaping a new generation of skilled, empowered professionals who are redefining the industry.

As more women in construction step into leadership roles and technical positions, they are inspiring future generations to pursue careers in the field. With the right opportunities, their ambition will continue to reshape the industry – one project at a time.

2020 - 2027
Ukraine
Initial vocational education and training
Public Private Partnership to Improved Professional Education in Ukraine
The EdUP project, including its Scale UP initiative, is playing a crucial role in addressing the serious challenges faced by Ukraine's vocational education and training (VET) sector during wartime. The war has destroyed many VET schools and exacerbated a skills shortage that affects several sectors, despite employers' willingness to offer competitive wages and resources. EdUP aims to rebuild and improve vocational schools and break stereotypes about vocational graduates. By decentralising training and aligning it with local economic needs, the project will improve the quality of vocational training, attract additional resources, work with the private sector, and modernise education to equip Ukraine's workforce for today's demands.  
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