Nontraditional Careers

Definition of a Nontraditional Career Any occupation in which women or men comprise 25 percent or less of its total employment.

Why Nontraditional Careers?  In 2005, 22.4 percent of all female headed households with children under the age of 18 lived in poverty.  For women, the need for better wages is imperative given the high poverty data regarding women and their families.  The need for workers across the nation exceeds the supply of trained workers available.

Median Earnings by Gender Full Time Employees MaleFemale 1989$27,331$18,769 (68%) 1999$36,476$26,324 (72%) 2006$38,636$31,000 (81%)

Median Weekly Earnings Chart 1. Median usual weekly earnings of full-time wage and salary workers in constant (2006) dollars by gender, annual averages

Nontraditional Occupations for Men OccupationPercent Male Annual Salary Secretaries 3.1%$39,160 Child Care Workers 5.8%$18,820 Registered Nurses 8.7%$59,730 Kindergarten Teachers 2.3%$47,040 Bank Tellers15.2%$22,810 Social Workers17.4%$44,950 Bureau of Labor Statistics 2006

Nontraditional Occupations for Women OccupationPercent Female Annual Salary Automobile Mechanics 1.9%$ 38,230 Airplane Pilots/Navigators 5.2%$104,380 Construction Trades 3.6%$ 29,930 Engineers13.2%$ 72,120 Electronic Technicians20.2%$ 50,840 Dentists22.5%$108,340 Architects24.4%$ 69,760 Bureau of Labor Statistics 2006

Men’s and Women’s Wages Compared in 2005  Average wages for occupations for full- time employed women. *  $28,805  *Study by National Women’s Law  Average wages for occupations for full- time employed men.*  $36,085

Distribution of wage/salary Employment by gender and major occupational group Chart 4. Distribution of full-time wage and salary employment by gender and major occupation group, 2006 annual averages Percent distribution of employment by gender

The Facts  Both men and women will spend at least 30 to 40 years in the workforce.  Women who pursue male-dominated careers earn 20 to 30 percent more than those who hold jobs traditionally held by women.

The Facts  Most women are not able to be full time homemakers.  There is increased job satisfaction when an individual does what they like rather than what is traditional.

Benefits of Nontraditional Jobs to Women  Economic self- sufficiency  Higher wages  Better benefits  Advancement potential  Job satisfaction  Broader job opportunities

Benefits of Nontraditional Jobs to Men  Fulfilling work  Opportunity for adventure  Broader job opportunities  Opportunity for advancement  Job satisfaction

Barriers to Females in Nontraditional Jobs  Social or cultural expectations  Lack of support from family, friends, teachers, classmates, or coworkers (harassment or isolation)  Limited prior experience  Education and training (lack of math and science prerequisites)  Females usually directed to traditional occupations

Barriers to Males in Nontraditional Occupations  Social or cultural expectations  Lack of support from family, friend, teachers, classmates, and co- workers  Education and training (males usually directed away from traditional female occupations)  Salary (low)  Discrimination and harassment on the job

What Does This Mean?  Being able to choose an occupation without fear of harassment.  Having a spouse who can support the family alone if circumstances require it.  Encourage males and females to take nontraditional classes.  Encourage female enrollment in math and science.  Accept classmates and coworkers because of ability and not judge them by gender.

What can be done to increase these possibilities?  Partner with community organizations to promote nontraditional careers.  Teach students about nontraditional career options and teach them early in their education experience.  Do not stereotype.

What can be done… cont.  Check publications and visuals for gender bias statements and pictures.  Provide opportunities and encouragement in the communities and schools.  Train teachers and counselors about nontraditional issues and how to encourage students and teachers to become involved in these opportunities.

What can be done…cont.  Provide nontraditional role models.  Highlight nontraditional programs that are successful.  Help students recognize their abilities.

Information for this presentation came from: ٭“Tool Kit Handbook” prepared by the Multistate Academic and Vocational Curriculum Consortium (MAVCC) ٭US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics ٭Articles from the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity ٭Utah State Office of Education, Sherry Marchant, Career Connections Specialist, Career and Technical Education