The construction sector is developing in a number of technological areas, but a lack of skilled workers may hamper that development. By changing its Iron Women program from a local initiative to a model that can be used worldwide for worker development, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is overcoming this limitation while also improving capacity, safety, and productivity.
The Iron Women program is expanded by Volvo CE.
In order to address the acute lack of qualified operators, technicians, and service personnel, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) officially established Iron Women as a single worldwide platform today. The program is positioned as crucial business infrastructure rather than a symbolic gesture; it is a replicable model that increases worker capacity by drawing in and nurturing long-overlooked talent.No scale, no skills. Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE, stated, “It’s that easy.” “We can create the cleanest technology, the smartest products and solutions, and the most sophisticated machinery, but it won’t matter if there aren’t enough qualified workers to implement it. Diversity isn’t the focus of Iron Women. It’s about growth and competence, and when we unleash potential together, the industry as a whole expands.”
Demonstrated success in India and Ukraine
Since Volvo Trucks first presented the Iron Women idea in 2016, more than 700 women from ten different countries have been allowed to pursue careers as professional drivers. In order to train women to operate heavy machinery with certification, Volvo CE modified the model for construction equipment in 2024 and started its first program in Ukraine. The program is a part of a larger initiative that aims to reskill 1,000 women across industries to support Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts through partnerships with Swedish non-profit Beredskapslyftet and training provider ETS Group.
The program was extended to India in 2025, a rapidly expanding market with a severe shortage of skilled personnel. Iron Women provides three specialized tracks: operator certification, worksite technician training, and manufacturing floor technician programs, in collaboration with dealer partner Pollutech Engineering, mining client KCCL, and government infrastructure institute IIIC Kerala. The first graduates are currently employed at client locations and dealerships after achieving 100% placement. Twenty-five women from a second cohort have just finished their operator training and are starting their placement.”Women are rarely encouraged to take on roles like this where I come from,” stated Laxmi Naik, an Iron Women India participant. “I had a lot of doubts about my ability to achieve when I first enrolled in the program. But eventually, the guidance and assistance enabled me to realize my own potential. I leave today not just with new abilities but also with self-assurance and the conviction that I can create a different future for myself.”
Unlocking global industry capacity
Volvo CE is currently growing Iron Women from regional pilot initiatives into a scalable model thanks to demonstrated outcomes. Faster technology adoption, increased equipment uptime, and more robust supply chains are made possible by the model’s cross-regional training of operators, technicians, and service personnel.According to Jernberg, the model is effective. “The next step is scaling it—expanding Iron Women to build workforce capacity where it’s needed most, at a pace that matches industry transformation.”
Volvo CE is now investigating Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland as potential new markets for Iron Women in 2
