Gender differentials in skill use and skill formation in the aftermath of vocational training

This paper investigates gender differentials in the aftermath of vocational training in Germany. The study documents the existence of substantial gender wage gaps for the homogeneous group of individuals with completed apprenticeship training. Evidence is presented that the gender differential is not confined to wages, but also affects the extent to which apprenticeship skills are used later on in the career, and the likelihood of receiving formal training upon completion of apprenticeship. In all instances, women reveal a significantly lower incidence than men. The evidence also suggests that occupational mobility is unlikely to undo this pattern, but rather aggravates it as mobility particularly hurts women in their subsequent human capital formation.