What is a Non-traditional Occupation?

Non-traditional refers to fields of work in which individuals from one gender comprise less than 25% of the workers.   

What occupations are traditional for women?  

•     50% of the fully employed women in Nova Scotia work in clerical, secretarial, sales, or service positions ... all occupations that pay poorly and leave little opportunity for growth or creativity.  

What are non-traditional occupations for women?  

•     In 2001, women in Nova Scotia comprised 17% of workers in technology related occupations.   
•     In 2001, women in Nova Scotia comprised 4.6% of workers in trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations.   

Why are non-traditional occupations important for women?  

•     Male-dominated careers pay livable wages. Women in these jobs can earn 20% to 30% more than those in jobs traditionally held by women.  Many women are good at these jobs, enjoy the work and never realized they are occupations they could actually enter.

Why is the Nova Scotia Community College partnering with Women Unlimited?  

•     While women comprise close to 50% of the total enrolment in NSCC, they make up under 10% of students in trades and technology and only 25% of students in information technology.   
•     Women make up only 5% of active apprentices in Nova Scotia. Over the past 5 years only 2.4% of apprenticeship certificates have been issued