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…

Purpose: This paper aims to report findings from a North East (of England) study co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Learning and Skills Council to explore the issues around the provision of vocational training for women in Northumberland, focusing on the construction, engineering and manufacturing sectors. The aim of the research was…

Surveys show that students persist in wanting occupational classes, and many of the small high schools being created around the country are built on a career theme. However, one neglected area in educational policy is the encouragement of girls to consider nontraditional occupations, ones that would move them up on career ladders providing higher…

This report provides information from a project that surveyed new and emerging, technical, and nontraditional occupations in Kentucky. The information is intended for use by those developing and conducting programs to serve displaced homemakers. First, a definition of new and emerging occupations in Kentucky is provided. Next, survey information…

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…

Training for unemployed women sponsored by the European Social Fund concentrates on nontraditional occupations, which limits choices. Increased focus on traditional areas of working class women's employment would increase their chances of obtaining training-related employment. (SK)

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…

An action study was undertaken at the University of Vermont to increase the number of women students in Industrial Education (IE) programs within the Vocational Education and Technology Department. The first objective was to increase the number of women students taking introductory technical courses. Objective 2 was to increase the number of women…

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…