Women empowering HDD

In October 2023, the Women Empowering HDD group was founded within the DCA to offer women in the industry an opportunity to exchange ideas, share knowledge and strengthen valuable network connections. The founding members are Nicole Laubach (L-Team Baumaschinen), Camila Sanchez Prado (HDI), Fabiola Schnau (x-plan schnau engineering GmbH & Co. KG), Elsedien Zevalkink (SiteTec), Anna Serarols (Catalana de Perforacions) and Lydie Vuille (Forexi).

The group focuses on the issue of skilled labour shortages as a major complex challenge for the HDD sector. The focus is on the shift towards greater participation of women in DCA member companies. Questions such as how to make the HDD industry more attractive overall and how to spark interest in the HDD sector among target groups are at the forefront. Specific measures include a survey of member companies to determine key figures, the role of women in the companies and any uncertainties. The task group collaborated closely on the production of the HDD image film for young talent in the HDD sector.

Under the leadership of the group, the DCA Spring Talks were launched, which have been held annually in Aachen since 2025 and serve as a platform for women to exchange experiences. The speakers, most of whom are women, provide in-depth content on various topics related to the HDD industry, such as ground investigation, the correct selection of drilling tools, the question of grouting the annular space in cable projects, and the question of how we can make our construction sites more environmentally friendly. The event is rounded off with project presentations. The event is recognised as a training event according to DVGW worksheet GW 321.