Men 18% more likely to receive work training than women

New research has found that companies are 18% more likely to send men on work-related training than their female counterparts.

The data, pulled together by The Knowledge Academy from Eurostat, alongside a survey of over 6,000 adults conducted by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) and the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), examined gender gaps across 32 EU countries. They concluded that, on average, only 6 in 10 women are given training by their employer; compared to almost 8 in 10 men.

According to the study, men were more likely to undergo supervisory training to help them become better leaders and managers, whereas women were offered courses on equality and diversity training – despite requiring, and wanting, other professional skills. Furthermore, 74.1% of men’s professional training was sponsored by their employer, compared to 68% of women’s training. Those who had job-related training were 54% more likely to have gained a new job or a promotion in the last 5 years.

Whilst flexible working patterns have encouraged more women into the workplace, their existence is a double-edged sword. Females returning to work after bearing children was a main reason that their professional growth was hindered, with women significantly more likely than men to work part-time (44% and 13% respectively). Those in full-time positions were more likely (32%) to have access to employer-provided training than part-time colleagues (19%).