This article presents the key findings of an empirical study on the effects of the action carried out by the Regional government of Veneto to improve the employability of female workers in the first phase of the economic crisis, from 2008 to 2010. The first section examines the main labour market indicators at the regional level. In particular, we call attention to labour market segmentation, unemployment and gender inequalities. The second section shows the basic features and outcomes of unemployment training schemes (initial education and vocational training). Finally, the analysis adopts a qualitative approach based on in-depth interviews with key informants. From a gender perspective, strong and weak points of regional training system are identified.
Keywords: Unemployment training schemes, Regional government of Veneto, labour market participation, female work participation