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.

AWARENESS Women Examples of a Nontraditional Occupation for Women and Men Men

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 Women $33,176 Annually Women $33,176 Annually Men $41,496 Annually Men $41,496 Annually  Women’s earnings were 80% of men’s Source: Department of Labor, Women’s Bureau. Available at

AWARENESS  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

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 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  Salary Many nontraditional occupations for men have low salaries. Other Roadblocks for Males

AWARENESS  Social/cultural Many 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 REVIEW  Benefits of nontraditional occupations Social and economic benefits Employer benefits Individual benefits Educator benefits Social and economic benefits Employer benefits Individual benefits Educator benefits

AWARENESS REVIEW  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 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