A Nontraditional Occupation is one where one gender comprises less than 25 % of those employed.  (US Department of Labor)

• Job Security:  Nontraditional fields, such as information technology, nursing, and engineering, often experience a labor shortage, so there is high demand for skilled employees in those occupations.

 

• Money: Women who work in nontraditional fields can expect lifetime earnings of 150 percent or more than those in traditionally female occupations.

• Business Advantage: Research shows a diverse workforce is more innovative, productive and creative.
  

The shortage of women in technology-related education programs has led to a national shortage of workers in the technology industry, costing the high tech industry and estimated $4 billion a year.  (CCAWMSETD, 2000. Land of Plenty: Diversity as America’s Competitive Edge in Science, Engineering, and Technology.)

• For more information about the New Jersey Department of Education, its programs and services, and the Office of Specialized Populations, which administers gender equity in education, click here.

•  For information on the Center for Women and Work and its other programs, click here.

•  For more information about Rutgers University, click here.