BYGGÅRET
THE PROGRAMME THAT OPENS DOORS TO THE
CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRY
Building roads, homes and essential infrastructure has long been at the heart of Peab’s business. But as society has changed, the task has grown too. The traditionally male-dominated construction industry is crying out for people, and the skills shortage is a major challenge for the future. At the same time, too few women are entering the industry.
Byggåret leads the way
With Byggåret, a paid apprenticeship programme launched in 2023, Peab is opening the door to people with no prior construction experience. The programme combines training and practical work, with the aim of lowering the threshold, broadening recruitment and helping more people discover the industry.
Olof Wedel, who is responsible for training within Byggåret (roughly means “The Construction Year”), is not really surprised by the high level of interest.
“We have received a large number of applications, and those who have been accepted have been really motivated, which is clear on the construction sites where the apprentices are working. The idea that women are not interested in the construction industry simply isn’t true,” he says.
A NEW WAY IN
Emma Lundberg, 24, is one of the apprentices now taking part in the programme. She worked as an assistant nurse before applying to Byggåret. Her interest in construction and craft had been there for a long time, but mostly at home as a hobby.
“I have renovated at home and always enjoyed it. When Byggåret appeared on social media, it felt like a chance to learn my hobby properly,” she says.
For Isabell Selldén, 21, the apprenticeship programme became relevant after a few years of seasonal work and, as she puts it herself, making the most of life. It was her father who told her about the programme.
“I’m a horse girl, and I’ve always liked physical work. I actually wanted to study construction in high school, but back then, it felt a bit too much like a boys’ club. So Byggåret became a really good opportunity,” says Isabell.
LEARNING BY DOING
The structure is four days out on site and one day of studies. The learning takes place alongside supervisors and colleagues, with tools in hand and new problems to solve.
“You get to tag along, try things and do the work. After a while, you realise that you can handle more than you think,” says Isabell.
The first few months were an adjustment. A new profession, a new environment and a whole new language for tools, tasks and ways of working.
“In the beginning, you almost felt annoying because you asked so many questions. But that’s also how you develop, understand how things fit together and learn to think for yourself and solve problems,” says Isabell.
Stepping into a male-dominated industry also raised questions and concerns, both because of their own preconceptions and those of others. Preconceptions that turned out to be false.
“I thought it might be difficult to become part of the team and that my colleagues might feel I was in the way, but it has been the complete opposite. Everyone has been very welcoming and helpful,” says Emma.
"I had this idea that I would have to overdeliver and do everything perfectly in order to prove myself and be trusted, but of course, nobody expected me to know everything straight away. It’s easy to overthink things, but in reality, it often turns out not to be the way you imagined. Now we are helping to break down prejudices, which feels great," says Isabell.
AN INDUSTRY IN TRANSITION
By working with inclusive recruitment and creating safe introduction environments, Peab has taken important steps towards a more equal workplace. Since the start, around 50 women have been trained through Byggåret, and today, 27% of all apprentices at Peab are women. The programme is now continuing into its fourth round, starting in autumn 2026. But it is not only about recruitment. It is also about making more women want to stay in the industry.
To create long-term change, Peab actively works with the work environment, supervision, and culture. One example is the company’s women’s product council, where employees raise questions about everything from workplace design to equipment and workwear. It is work that clearly shows that equality is not about isolated initiatives, but about systematically changing structures.
For both Emma and Isabell, the future lies in the construction industry. Emma wants to gain experience to become a site supervisor, while Isabell wants to continue developing in the profession. Both of them want to encourage more women to dare to take the step into construction.
“Byggåret gives everyone opportunities. It is a paid training programme, which makes a big difference for many people who might otherwise have hesitated,” says Emma.
“There are still only a few women out on the construction sites, but change takes time. We have come a long way, but we can go further. We get to lead the way,” says Isabell.
THE RIGHT CONDITIONS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
In an industry where the working day places high demands on both function and durability, workwear is an important part of the whole. For Peab, it is a matter of course that the equipment should work for everyone.
"During the apprenticeship programme, we are usually visited by Blåkläder, who come and talk about workwear and show the breadth of their women’s range. It gives the apprentices knowledge of what is available and helps them set the right requirements in their future workplaces," says Olof.
Blåkläder’s women’s collection is developed in close collaboration with female test pilots and through dialogue with major customers such as Peab. By starting from real needs and feedback from the women who work in the garments, Blåkläder creates workwear with the right fit, function and comfort. This means garments that last over time and help more people do their job in a safer, simpler and more comfortable way. Equal conditions also send the right signals to the women who want to train for a profession in the industry.
READY TO MAKE THE SWITCH?
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