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| Nontraditional Career and College Fair |
"Cool Women, Hot Careers: The Best Job You Never Heard About"
On Thursday, October 21, 2004 the West Virginia Women’s Commission held its second
Nontraditional Career and College Fair, "Cool Women, Hot Careers: The Best
Job You Never Heard About," in Logan, West Virginia at the Chief Logan
Convention Center. The fair was a day long event for girls in high school
and women looking for educational and job opportunities. Exhibitors from
trade schools, technical centers, and colleges were on hand to answer
questions. Workshops centered on financial aid and careers in
nontraditional fields. In the afternoon, the participants heard real life
stories from women who were in nontraditional careers.
If you are interested in becoming
a part of a statewide network of volunteers to take this event to other
parts of the state please contact the West Virginia Women’s Commission
office.
What is a nontraditional career?
Any occupation in which women and men comprise 25
percent or less of its total employment is considered nontraditional
Why should someone choose a nontraditional career?
In the year 2000, 37.4% of all female-headed households with children under
the age of eighteen lived in poverty. For women, the need for better wages
is imperative given the high poverty data regarding women and their families.
What are the benefits of choosing a nontraditional occupation?
Currently the need for workers across the nation exceeds
the supply of trained workers.
Both traditionally male and female occupational areas
are in need of highly-skilled workers. Increasingly, gender does not
matter if the individual has the necessary skills.
Studies indicate that a self-sufficiency standard
requires wages ranging from $10 an hour up to $15 an hour or more,
depending upon area of residence, family size, and the like. Very few
traditional "women’s jobs" pay wages that will support economic
self-sufficiency.
What are the benefits of nontraditional jobs for men and women?
Women
- Economic self-sufficiency not dependence on public assistance
- Higher wages
- Better benefits
- Physical challenges in many jobs
- Broader job opportunities
- Advancement potential
- Job satisfaction
Men
- Opportunities for advancement in an area of interest
- Fulfilling Work
- Opportunity for adventure
- Broader job opportunities
- Job satisfaction
What are the barriers to nontraditional occupations for men and women?
WOMEN
- Social & Cultural
- Lack of support from family, friends, classmates and/ or coworkers
- Lack of self-confidence
- Lack of female role models
- Limited experience with tools and mechanical operations
- Education & Training
- Limited information about nontraditional options
- Females are usually directed to traditional classes
- Lack of prerequisite classes in math and science
- Isolation and sexual harassment in classrooms
- Lack of instructor support
- Lack of support services such as transportation and childcare
- On the Job
- Discrimination in hiring, firing, promotion and layoffs
- Isolation and sexual harassment in workplace
- Lack of union support
- Lack of support services
MEN
- Social & Cultural
- Perception that men are not caring
- Perception that men who choose nontraditional jobs are not masculine
- Some nontraditional jobs offer men less opportunity for advancement
- Socialization to traditional male roles
- Lack of support from family, friends, classmates and/or coworkers
- Lack of self-confidence in nontraditional careers
- Lack of male role models in nontraditional careers
- Education & Training
- Limited information about nontraditional careers
- Males are usually directed into traditional careers
- Isolation and sexual harassment in classrooms
- Lack of instructor support
- On the Job
- Discrimination in hiring, firing, promotion and layoffs
- Isolation and sexual harassment in the workplace
- Physical work environment
- Lack of union support
- Lack of support services
- Salary
- Many nontraditional careers for men pay low salaries
Click here to see photos of women working in nontraditional jobs
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