Less Traveled Nontraditional Careers

Adapted from “Taking the Road Less Traveled ll”

MAVCC

IITaking the Road

Any occupation in which women

or men comprise 25% or

less of its total employment is

considered nontraditional.

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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.

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Women

Examples of a Nontraditional Occupation for Women and Men

Men

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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?

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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

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Both males and females can face roadblocks when pursuing a nontraditional career.

Roadblocks hamper success and self-satisfaction.

Students are more likely to complete a program if there are at least 3-5 students of the same gender enrolled in that class.

Roadblocks Males and Females May Experience in Nontraditional Occupations

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Benefits of nontraditional occupations

• Social and economic benefits• Employer benefits• Individual benefits• Educator benefits

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Roadblocks males and females may experience

Males and females face many of the same roadblocks when pursuing a career in a nontraditional occupation. Types of roadblocks include: • Social/cultural• Education and training• On the job• Salary