Volvo CE expands ‘Iron Women’ initiative to address labour gap

Volvo CE is now expanding Iron Women from regional pilot programs into a scalable model. Image: Volvo CE

The Iron Women concept was originally introduced by Volvo Trucks in 2016 and has enabled over 700 women across ten countries to enter professional driving roles.

In 2024, Volvo CE adapted the model for construction equipment, launching its first program in Ukraine to educate women as certified heavy equipment operators.

Through partnerships with training provider ETS Group and Swedish non-profit Beredskapslyftet, the program is part of a broader initiative aimed to reskill 1,000 women across industries to support Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts.

In 2025, the program expanded to India – a high-growth market facing acute skilled labor scarcity. Working with dealer partner Pollutech Engineering, mining customer KCCL, and government infrastructure institute IIIC Kerala, Iron Women offers three specialised tracks: operator certification, worksite technician training, and factory floor technician programs.

The first graduates achieved 100% placement and are now working at customer sites and dealerships. A second cohort of 25 women recently completed operator training and is entering placement.

”We can develop the most advanced machines, the smartest products and solutions, and the cleanest technology – but none of it matters if there aren’t enough skilled people to deploy it,” said Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE.

“Iron Women isn’t about diversity for diversity’s sake. It’s about competence and growth – and the entire industry grows when we unlock capacity together.”

Volvo CE is now expanding Iron Women from regional pilot programs into a scalable model. The OEM said it will expand it into additional regions throughout 2026 and is currently exploring Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.