Less Traveled IITaking the

Road

Any occupation in which women

or men comprise 25% or

less of its total employment is

considered nontraditional.

AWARENESS

Definition of Nontraditional Occupation?Occupations or careers may be nontraditional based on a history of gender stereotyping, segregation and discrimination in the workforce. For the purposes of this resource the term “nontraditional” is used to refer to the gender underrepresented in an occupation.

43%

In 2007, 43% of female-headed households with children under the age of eighteen lived in poverty compared with 8.5% for children in married-couple families.

AWARENESS

Why Nontraditional?

AWARENESS

For women, the need for better wages is imperative given the high poverty data regarding women and their families.

Workforce and economic development is critical as the need for workers across the nation exceeds the supply of trained workers available.

For individuals, a nontraditional occupation could be a better career fit when considering job skills, personal interests and lifestyle.

Why Nontraditional?

AWARENESS

Why Nontraditional? Average wages for the top 20 leading occupations for

women and men.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Household Data Annual Averages, Table 39 Median weekly earnings of full-time wage and salary workers by detailed occupation and sex. Available at www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat39.pdf

Women$33,176 Annually

Men$41,496 Annually

Women’s earnings were 80% of men’sSource: Department of Labor, Women’s Bureau. Available at www.dol.gov/wb/factsheets/Qf-laborforce-07.htm

AWARENESS

Why Nontraditional? Pay gap is largely a result of

women working in traditional jobs which pay less than male dominated jobs.

Non-traditional careers for women and men:http://www.quintcareers.com/non-traditional_careers.html

http://www.acinet.org/acinet/select_occupation.asp?next=occ_rep http://www.acinet.org/acinet/select_occupation.asp?next=occ_rep http://www.acinet.org/acinet/select_occupation.asp?next=occ_rep

Salaries: http://www.acinet.org/acinet/select_occupation.asp?next=occ_rep

AWARENESS

Social/cultural• Socialization to traditional gender roles• Lack of support from family, friends, and classmates

or coworkers• Lack of self-confidence• Lack of gender role models

Common Roadblocks for Both Males and Females

AWARENESS

Education and Training• Limited information about

nontraditional options• Gender is usually directed to

traditional classes• Isolation and sexual harassment

in classrooms• Lack of instructor support• Lack of support services such as

transportation to class

Common Roadblocks for Both Males and Females

AWARENESS

Common Roadblocks for Both Males and Females

On the Job• Discrimination in hiring, firing, promotion, layoffs

• Lack of facilities to accommodate gender

• Isolation and sexual harassment in the workplace

• Lack of union support in some trade areas

• Lack of support services such as transportation to class or child care

AWARENESS

Social/cultural• Perception that men aren’t caring• Perception that men who choose a

nontraditional career aren’t masculine

• May be less opportunity for advancement

SalaryMany nontraditional occupations for

men have low salaries.

Other Roadblocks for Males

AWARENESS

Social/culturalMany women have limited experience with tools and mechanical operations, so they are hesitant to enroll in a course where they feel unprepared or behind their peers.

Other Roadblocks for Females

Education and Training• Lack of prerequisite classes in

math and science• Lack of support services for

child care

AWARENESS

Social/culturalWork to educate and raise awareness as to the benefits of entering a nontraditional career.• Invite, involve, and educate parents.• Conduct elementary and middle school

programs.• Provide role models and mentors.

Solutions to Overcome Roadblocks

AWARENESS

Education and TrainingWork to ensure that all students are able to make a choice of careers based upon their skills and abilities and not their gender.• Provide access to and support for academic proficiency

especially in math and science.• Implement and model gender-fair institutional strategies.• Conduct professional development with teachers at all

levels.

Solutions to Overcome Roadblocks

AWARENESS

Education and Training (cont.)• Review career guidance materials and practices for

gender bias and nontraditional exposure and support.

• Evaluate all school materials for gender bias and positive nontraditional images.

• Conduct pre-technical training programs.• Conduct nontraditional student support groups and

peer counseling.

Solutions to Overcome Roadblocks

AWARENESS

On the jobBe a part of the solution that provides a safe and harassment free environment for all workers regardless of their gender.• Increase competence in diversity and sexual harassment

prevention.• Provide nontraditional role models, mentors, and job shadowing.• Provide a continuum of support services.• Invite, involve, and educate business.• Collaborate with community-based organizations.

Solutions to Overcome Roadblocks