Gender Gaps in Job-Related Training during COVID-19? Longitudinal Evidence on Supply and Demand Changes from Germany

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated gender inequalities in the labour market. Less is known about its impact on gender gaps in training. Drawing on theories of labour market segmentation, time availability and gender roles, this study examines gender differences in pandemic-related changes in job-related training. Using panel data from the German National Educational Panel Study (2018–2022, N=7,857), results from fixed-effects regressions indicate an overall decline in training participation. Contrary to the expectations, mothers’ participation did not decline more than that of fathers and childless women and men. For all groups, declines in training were partly attributed to work-related changes and the regional severity of COVID-19, but for parents these declines were more closely linked to changes in private and family life. The findings highlight the complex impact of demand- and supply-side factors influencing job-related training and show that gender disparities in unpaid work did not translate into wider training gaps.