The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) defines Non-Traditional Occupations (NTOs) as occupations where specific populations (i.e. one gender or a minority group) are traditionally underrepresented, comprising less than 25 percent of the individuals employed in them. Barriers associated with entry into NTOs can prevent these populations from accessing…

Despite the fact that approximately half of high school physics students are female, only 21% of physics bachelor's degrees are awarded to women. In a previous study, drawn from a national survey of college students in introductory English courses, five factors commonly proposed to positively impact female students' choice of a physical science…

In this chapter, the author explores and compares the work experiences of women faculty in fields of different gender compositions with data from three National Study of Postsecondary Faculty (NSOPF: 1993, 1999, and 2004) surveys. By examining the influence of a wide range of factors, this study provides a comprehensive picture of the work…

One educator's attempt to pique girls' interest in nontraditional careers in the Seattle School District led to the creation of the now-international nonprofit IGNITE (Inspiring Girls Now in Technology Education). From its humble beginnings, IGNITE has impacted the lives of more than 20,000 girls, with thousands more across the globe each year.…

All-girl engineering workshops are increasing in popularity as a means to attract females into the male-dominated field of engineering. However, the effectiveness of such workshops as a recruitment tool is unclear. This report summarizes several research studies on this topic with the intent of showing the effectiveness of such workshops and other…

The horizontal segregation of the workforce along gender lines tends to assign women to lower paid, lower status employment. Consequently, schemes to address segregation have focused on preparing women to enter non-traditional occupations through training and development processes. This article examines models to encourage women into…

Describes women's course-taking patterns and their resultant underrepresentation in skilled trades, technologies, and sciences. Considers the effects of value systems and conditioning on women's perceptions of work and success. Analyzes the lack of synchronization between traditional value systems and technological change in terms. Describes three…

This handbook provides a brief overview of apprenticeship and explains how women can find and participate in an apprenticeship program. Topics covered include the following: definition of an apprenticeship, trades that are apprenticeable, why and how to apply, how to choose a trade, requirements for an apprenticeship, supportive services, job…

An Australian study of 62 women in traditionally male-dominated areas of vocational education found most teachers and male classmates were unsupportive, and the atmosphere was generally oppressive. Sexual discrimination and harassment, isolation, pressure to perform were typical. The women were strong-minded and successful, and most support came…

The Arizona Center for Vocational Education, Northern Arizona University, developed a program to train women in nontraditional careers. Since jobs were plentiful in the field, the program aimed to train 25 women in building maintenance. Project leaders established linkages with union apprenticeship programs and local business and industry…

Presents an edited transcript of a discussion with seven Simmons College faculty members about education for women and the role a women's college can play in a period of social change. Discussion topics include Simmons as a women's college, meaningful work, non-traditional careers, counseling responsibilities, and potential students. (CAM)

A study surveyed the industrial status of the Pittsburg State University School of Technology and Applied Science female graduates of classes that graduated from 1976-1987. The data collection procedure consisted of two phases--a literature review pertaining to sex equity for women in technology and the survey of graduates at the bachelor and…

Reports preliminary findings of a study conducted by the Center for Women's Opportunities at AACJC for determining the status of women in non-traditional occupational education in community colleges. (JG)

Suggestions for making teachers aware of nontraditional jobs and imparting that knowledge to their students are the substance of this document. The following topics are addressed: awareness of nontraditional occupations and the men and women who are involved in them, encouraging students to consider a nontraditional occupations (beginning at an…

Contends that female occupational choices are limited by sex stereotypes and lack of exposure to nontraditional occupations. Emphasizes the need to change employer and employee attitudes. Presents findings from two community college studies (of sex bias and cooperative education). Supports community college commitment to expanding nontraditional…