Removing Barriers to the
future tech workforce
We aim to advance diversity, equity and inclusion of the future tech-workforce. We support young people from all backgrounds and genders to explore and pursue pathways into careers that make the energy transition happen.
With expert organisations, we remove the barriers that withhold young people from opting for a STEM career. Freedom of choice only arises when stereotypical images no longer determine what young people consider possible for themselves.
Story of change
‘Fix the system, not the girls’
VHTO
Sahar Yadegari is the director of the VHTO centre of expertise and a tireless advocate for the debate on women in technical professions.
VHTO, which stands for ‘Voor Haar Technische Ontwikkeling’ (For Her Technical Development), has been a partner of BDR Thermea Foundation since the start of 2025; our core funding is of great importance to the organisation.
Missed opportunity
This is desperately needed, Sahar emphasises. ‘Less than 17% of technical professionals are women. That is not a minor problem, but a structural missed opportunity.’ All that talent remains untapped, she is simply saying. And this at a time when we need all hands on deck for skilled professionals who can bring about the energy transition. ‘Teams that excel and innovate are often diverse teams.’ Yet a career in engineering remains an obstacle course for women – it starts as early as a girl’s upbringing.
Freedom of choice
‘Let girls experience at school that arithmetic, maths and technical understanding can be learnt.’ Featuring role models in textbooks and in the classroom also helps: why not include female mathematicians and plumbers? And actively encourage girls in vocational education to reconsider their choice of a career in care and welfare; that way, you’ll increase their freedom of choice.’ Sahar would like to see ambitious companies committed to increasing the gender balance, with team leaders putting this into practice and industry organisations supporting these companies. She has learnt that this requires listening carefully to teachers and employers: ‘Ultimately, they are the ones who can make the biggest difference in practice.’
