An operator uses a Volvo CE excavator as part of the Iron Women operator and technician training programme recently launched in India. Image: Volvo CE

Developed in partnership with Volvo CE India, dealer Pollutech Engineering, and mining contractor Kalinga Commercial Corporation Limited (KCCL), the programme provides hands-on training and certification for women. The OEM said it also increases access to vocational training for underprivledged communities.

The Iron Women programme includes operator training, workshop technician instruction and factory floor technician development.

Volvo CE said the initiative is designed to tackle three related challenges: limited access to training for women, a lack of industry diversity, and an ongoing regional shortage of qualified operators and technicians.

A participant of the Iron Women programme in India getting hands-on technician training. Image: Volvo CE

鈥淭he Iron Women Program is a powerful step towards shaping an inclusive future in our industry,鈥� said Tomas Kuta, head of sales for Asia at Volvo CE. 鈥淚t is not just about training women 鈥� it is about unlocking potential, creating opportunities, and reshaping perceptions.鈥�

Participants are trained on Volvo CE equipment and placed at jobsites managed by Pollutech Engineering and KCCL, gaining experience and the necessary credentials to seek employment in the field.

One trainee, Laxmi Naik, said, 鈥淚 came here unsure of what I could do, now I leave with a skill, a voice, and the courage to dream bigger.鈥�

Pollutech CEO Dilip Tripathi added, 鈥淓mpowering women through skill development isn鈥檛 just the right thing to do 鈥� it鈥檚 the smart thing to do.鈥�

Originally launched by Volvo Trucks in 2016, the Iron Women model has supported over 700 women across 10 countries. Volvo CE introduced its own version last year in Ukraine to support postwar reconstruction. The India expansion began in March.

Digging for Ukraine: Volvo鈥檚 battle to get women to operate excavators and wheel loaders Volvo CE is piloting a course aimed at encouraging more women to become qualified excavator and wheel loader operators, starting in Ukraine.