NONTRADITIONAL CAREERS CAN BE REWARDING OPPORTUNITIES

(February 6, 2008)...  During World War II the percentage of women who left their homes to find work rose from 25% to 36%. This percentage rose due to the absence of men because the men either joined the military or were working with production for the war. Women took up many jobs that were not traditional for that period of time because of the economy. Today women are still seeking non-traditional jobs due to the economy. The Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC) is very supportive of the young women and men who decide to pursue non-traditional careers.

A non-traditional occupation, as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, is a job in which 25% or less of the workforce is female or male.  An example is women who take jobs that are severely under representation by female in many occupations including trades, the technology field and science field. All these fields typically pay well; however, there are the certain jobs that have traditionally been considered “men’s work” and there are those other jobs that have traditionally been considered “women’s work”.  The truth is that there are no real particular jobs that are related to gender, they are simply related to tradition and socialization.

Another fact that turns people away from thinking that women cannot hold positions in a company that have traditionally been for men is the physical aspect of some types of labor. Most strength requirements are often exaggerated and women can perform most or all tasks men can.  On the other hand, men also face the same stereo-type of being “feminine” when pursuing a career in health, cosmetology, and various other fields typically dominated by women.

The Indiana County Technology Center hosts many programs that are considered non-traditional jobs for women and men. All the programs are open to any student who wishes to pursue that career. This year there is a current enrollment of 383 students at the ICTC. Out of those 383 students about 25% are enrolled in non-traditional occupations. This 25% is composed of females who are studying Collision Repair Technology, Electrical Occupations, Auto Technology, Carpentry, Welding Technology, Computer Systems Technology, and Masonry.

When asked why she chose Collision Repair Technology, Megan Hall stated, “it has always been a passion of mine.  I have always loved working on cars.”  Megan has already taken her skills one step closer by working at Smail Auto Body in Greensburg, PA.  Until graduation she works in the collision repair office but is already talking about her future with the business.  Rachael Riley, a Carpentry junior from Homer Center, enjoys the opportunities that being in the construction field offers.  The job opportunities for women in construction are plentiful.

People argue that when women enroll in courses or apply for jobs in a non-traditional environment they become masculine or in a man’s case “feminine”. There is no reason that being physically fit for a job, being exposed to harsh conditions or enjoying a comfortable work environment makes a man feminine or a woman masculine. If anything, the skills, wages, and enjoyment one finds in a non-traditional field is well worth pursuing for the individual and benefit of the community. 

So encourage students and job seekers to be open minded about careers and never be afraid to “break the mold”.  Just ask the students at the ICTC about the accomplishments non-traditional students have made………….it’s amazing!

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