Nontraditional occupations (NTO) are defined as occupations or fields of work, including careers in computer science, technology, and other current and emerging high skill occupations, for which individuals from one gender comprise less than 25 percent of the individuals employed in each such occupation or field of work (Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act S.250, 109th Cong., 6 (2006) (enacted), Section 3(20).)
NTOs offer unique career opportunities that, when matched to a student’s interests and goals, can provide higher wages, a better work life balance, more opportunities for career advancement, and higher job satisfaction than careers traditionally associated with one gender.
Several nontraditional occupations exist for both males and females –
Nontraditional Careers for Males – Early education teachers, dental assistant, occupational therapist, registered nurse, cleaning professional, paralegal, massage therapist, and social worker.
Nontraditional Careers for Females – Heavy equipment operator, automotive technician, electrician, welder, firefighter, engineer, and police officer.
For a complete list of nontraditional occupations by career cluster and pathway check out the following document: Guide to Perkins Nontraditional Occupations
For more information, visit – www.illinoisnto.com
