WICEPS aimed to increase the presence, knowledge, and empowerment of women in the 3D construction industry, helping them transition from education to the workforce. The project sought to create equal opportunities in a sector where women face persistent barriers. According to the application, our specific objectives were to: • Train and empower women with new 3D construction and digital skills. • Support the professional development of adult trainers and VET teachers, equipping them with innovative tools and methods. • Promote self-training through an open-access MOOC covering 3D printing, material science, health & safety, sustainability, and digital skills. • Strengthen the capacity of partner organisations to deliver inclusive and modern training. • Raise awareness of career opportunities for women in construction and promote diversity in this field. • Contribute to the digital transformation and innovation of VET systems in Ireland and Spain. Ultimately, the project aimed to make the construction sector more inclusive, digital, and gender-balanced across Europe.
The WICEPS partnership was applied to address the persistent under-representation of women in the construction sector, especially in emerging areas such as 3D concrete printing and digital construction. Research and partner experience showed that women faced multiple barriers: lack of digital confidence, limited visibility of female role models, and absence of tailored, beginner-friendly learning materials. At the same time, VET providers needed new methods to integrate innovation and gender equality into training. The project therefore, responded to three main needs identified in the application: • To empower women with digital and professional skills relevant to the future of construction. • To upskill teachers and trainers through innovative tools and blended learning approaches. • To support inclusion and digital transformation in VET, ensuring access to open, high-quality resources. In short, the project responded to skills, access and confidence barriers—while supporting EU priorities on digitalisation, gender equality and greener, innovative construction.