Why We Are Necessary

The U.S. Department of Labor defines a nontraditional career for women as one in which 25% or less of those employed in the field are women. Even today, there are over 100 occupations that fall into this category. Nontraditional occupations for women include a multitude of positions such as engineer, scientist, executive, computer programmer, and skilled trades such as carpenter, electrician, plumber, and machinist. These nontraditional occupations often have a much higher earnings potential than occupations & fields traditionally dominated by women. Creating and expanding nontraditional career pathways for women is necessary for closing the gender wage gap, providing equitable opportunities, and creating economic self-sufficiency for women.

Apprenticeship is a proven training model that helps people develop the skills for a high-paying career while earning a paycheck at the same time. On average, the starting salary of an apprenticeship graduate is $72,000 a year. Unfortunately, data shows apprenticeships are not as accessible to women as they should be. As of 2020, only 12.5% of apprentices were women, even though women comprised nearly half of the overall U.S. workforce. In the male-dominated trades, such as construction, women were just 3.6% of apprentices. By promoting nontraditional careers and apprenticeships, we can significantly reduce poverty for working women and their families.

Evidence shows that women participate and succeed in job training at higher rates when they receive supportive services. WVWW provides support programs, career coaching, education services, and workshops to prepare women for employment in high skills, high-wage nontraditional careers. We provide job skills training programs to prepare women for promising careers, while simultaneously helping employers create a work culture that better facilitates women’s success. WVWW is a network that empowers women to succeed in nontraditional careers.