Powering Moldova’s green future: How skills training opened new doors for a young woman

CHIȘINĂU, Republic of Moldova (ILO News) - Just a few years ago, Ariadna Pralea had a very different career in mind. If asked what she wanted to become, her answer was always the same: a lawyer.

Today, the young student from Chișinău is preparing for a career in renewable energy, as part of a new generation of skilled professionals supporting Moldova’s transition to a greener economy.

Ariadna is studying to become a Technician for Renewable Energy Generation Systems at the Centre of Excellence in Energy and Electronics. Her choice was not part of a long-term plan. While exploring educational opportunities online, she discovered the Centre’s renewable energy programme and became increasingly interested in the field.

The more I learned about green energy, the more interested I became.

Ariadna Pralea, Student Technician for Renewable Energy Generation Systems at the Centre of Excellence in Energy and Electronics in Chișinău, Moldova

“I was attracted by the idea of a modern and meaningful profession,” she recalled. “The more I learned about green energy, the more interested I became.”

What appealed to her most was the opportunity to contribute to environmental protection while building a rewarding career.

Starting her studies was both exciting and challenging. The technical terminology, equipment and laboratory work were all new. Over time, however, these challenges became some of the most rewarding aspects of her education.

“The practical part is what I enjoy most,” she said. Through hands-on learning, students work with real equipment and develop skills directly relevant to the labour market. Ariadna has gained confidence while strengthening her technical and problem-solving skills.

The only girl in her class

People in Moldova often question whether a technical profession is the right choice for a young woman. Ariadna herself wondered how she would fit into a class made up entirely of boys. Those doubts quickly disappeared.

“The fact that I am the only girl in the class has never been an obstacle for me,” she said. “On the contrary, it motivated me to prove that technical fields are for anyone who is willing to learn and work hard.”

Her commitment has impressed her teachers.

“She stands out for her sense of responsibility, eagerness to learn and involvement in practical activities,” said her homeroom teacher, Oleg Chitoroagă. “She is proof that motivation and dedication are more important than any prejudice related to choosing a profession.”

Training for tomorrow's green jobs

Ariadna’s experience reflects wider efforts to prepare Moldova’s workforce for the green transition. The Centre of Excellence in Energy and Electronics is among the institutions benefiting from the ILO-implemented project Skills for an Environmentally Sustainable Transition in Moldova, funded by the Austrian Development Agency and the Liechtenstein Development Service.

Running from 2023 to 2026, the project supports the modernization of Moldova’s TVET system by developing new qualifications, updating curricula, strengthening teaching capacities and aligning training with the needs of the renewable energy sector. It also promotes career guidance and awareness-raising activities to encourage more girls and young women to consider technical and green occupations.

Ariadna is benefiting from an improved learning environment designed to equip students with skills demanded by a growing green economy.

Her story also highlights a broader challenge. Women remain underrepresented in many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and energy-related professions, often because of persistent stereotypes about suitable careers for men and women. Through this development cooperation project, the ILO also promotes more gender-inclusive access to these occupations, recognizing that a just transition requires the participation of everyone.

As Moldova advances its green transition and sustainable development ambitions, demand for workers with green skills is expected to continue growing. For Ariadna, this means a future full of opportunities.

She hopes her experience will inspire other girls to explore careers in energy, engineering and technology. Her message is simple: “Do not let stereotypes define your future!”