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More Choices for Women in the 21st Century
In 2003, women in the United States were paid 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. According to the Women's Bureau of the U. S. Department of Labor, the median earning for women with a high school diploma who worked full-time year round was $323 per week. Fully-employed men who were high school dropouts earned $421 per week. Job segregation and lower wages make a significant difference in women's lives. Lower pay adds up to over a half million dollars in lost wages in the course of a woman's working career. There are many well-paid, non-traditional job opportunities for women. This resource guide focuses on the skilled trades and the technical fields, such as construction, machine tool work, electrical work, and painting. Skilled craft or trade workers and technicians are trained to build, maintain, or repair products, buildings, or equipment. These occupations require training or education beyond high school. Why non-traditional? Non-traditional jobs offer women opportunities to gain high-skilled employment or to increase job-specific skills that can lead to new career paths. Non-traditional jobs require various skills and abilities, such as assembling, building or repairing. Interests are not gender-specific. Many women in non-traditional work say they enjoy seeing the results of their labor. They feel a sense of pride when they can show someone what they have done. Skills increase opportunities. Learning a trade means that you have marketable skills, which ensures greater opportunities in the workforce. If you move to another part of the country, those skills move with you. If you take time out of work for any reason (such as to raise a family), the chances of re-entering the workforce are much higher with a marketable skill. A job applicant with skills that are in demand will have greater job opportunities. Better pay in non-traditional jobs. Women work in non-traditional jobs for many reasons, not the least of which is pay. Jobs traditionally held by men offer wages 50% to 75% higher than those traditionally held by women. The chart below shows the prevailing wages for unionized construction jobs, not including the extensive benefit packages those jobs provide. Non-union construction jobs pay an average of 52% less. The rates shown for police and fire fighters are union wages; non-union rates average 68% less. NON-TRADITIONAL JOBS FOR WOMEN OCCUPATION EARNINGS/YR painter $51,400 carpenter $52,500 electrician $62,000 fire fighter, police officer $45,000 plumber $60,200 TRADITIONAL JOBS FOR WOMEN OCCUPATION EARNINGS/YR restaurant hostess $16,100 cook $15,700 office clerk $24,600 bookkeeper, secretary $26,000 registered nurse* $45,200 social worker* $32,800 *college degree required Source: US DOL Bureau of Statistics (Sept.2003) Many women carry children, move heavy furniture, haul loaded shopping bags, participate in sports, do yard work and shovel snow. Women working in construction and like occupations report that they build up their strength during the first few months of employment. Not all non-traditional jobs require strength and physical labor. Industrial engineering, surveying, electroplating, and locomotive engineering are four examples of non-traditional jobs requiring little strength or endurance. Working conditions: Many jobs require outside work in hot or cold weather. But there are some non-traditional occupations that are in very clean and quiet environments. Drafters work in offices, chemical technicians work in laboratories and computer repair technicians work in their customers' offices. Educational requirements: Most trade and technical occupations require some math skills, but the level of knowledge varies. You may need to know fractions and measurements, or you may need to know more complicated mathematics, such as algebra, trigonometry or statistics. Some women are apprehensive of math as a result of bias in our educational system. Studies have shown that girls and young women are not encouraged to excel in math and are often discouraged from taking advanced math courses in high school and college. Most women use mathematical concepts in their daily lives, such as when they drive cars, use road maps, operate sewing machines, install household fixtures, and assemble appliances, toys, electronics, and other items in the home. Most women balance checkbooks, follow recipes, keep budgets, do bookkeeping, and much more. Choosing a vocation: Once you have decided that you want to work in the skilled trades or technical fields, you should decide what type of job you would like to have. The following questions, adapted from Women's Resources, a publication of the Step-Up for Women Institute will help you make your decision. What is the nature of the work? What does someone in this job do? What are the working conditions? Are there safety concerns? What tools and equipment are used? What training is needed? What are the qualifications? Is there room for advancement? What is the employment outlook? What is the starting salary What are the benefits? What is the earning potential? Is there travel? Is there layoff time? Getting the answers: Women stuck in low-wage jobs often have a limited amount of time to spend searching for a better career. To address this problem, the Chicago-based non-profit Women Employed created Career Coach, a free online service designed to help people identify and pursue careers that offer family-supportive wages. Career Coach (www.womenemployed.org) allows women with employment and family commitments to make use of career resources at a time convenient to them. The following organizations can also provide you with information to help you form your career decision: Northern New England Tradeswomen Step-Up for Women / WomenBuild 51 Park Street Essex Junction, Vermont 05452 (802) 878-0004
RI Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) 29 New York Avenue Cumberland, Rhode Island 02864 (401) 333-3192
U.S. Department of Labor Women's Bureau JFK Federal Building, Room E-270 Boston, Massachusetts 02203 (617) 565-1988 Women in the Building Trades (WIBT) 12 Southern Avenue Dorchester, Massachusetts 02124 (617) 929-0433 www.communityworks.com/mgd/wibt.html
SER Jobs for Progress is a Pawtucket umbrella organization that administers, among other programs, Non-traditional Careers for Women. They are located at: 101 Main St., Ste. 303, Pawtucket, RI 02860 (401) 724-1820 It is important to recognize that women carry children, move heavy furniture, haul loaded shopping bags, and participate in sports. Many women clean ovens, kitchens, bathrooms, dirty laundry (including diapers), plant gardens, do yard work, and shovel snow. Most women drive cars, navigate using road maps, operate sewing machines, install household fixtures, and assemble appliances, toys, electronics, and other items in the home. Most women balance checkbooks, follow recipes, keep budgets, do bookkeeping, and much more. Applying to a registered apprenticeship program Applying to a registered apprenticeship program, particularly in the skilled trades, can take months, sometimes even up to a year. Some programs accept applications daily, others monthy, and some only once a year. Each program has a different set of entry requirements, but those requirements generally fall within the following four catagories: age, education, aptitutde, and physical condition. Age: The miniumum age allowed by law for apprenticeship programs is 16, but most programs set the minimum age at 18. Education: Most programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or a GED. Some programs require a certain level of skill in mathematics (algebra) or other technical fields. Aptitude: Some programs require applicants to take an aptitude test that rates their reading, mathematics and mechanical ability. Physical condition: Some programs require a physical exam to show that you are healthy. Some trades have specific physical requirements, such as being able to lift a certain weight. If you meet the requirements and pass the aptitude test, you may then be asked to an interview. The interview is the final step before being placed on an eligibility list for acceptance into an apprenticeship program. Usually more than one person will conduct the interview. Questions will cover topics such as your qualifications and your interest in the occupation or trade. Interviewers evaluate not only your qualifications, but also your commitment to the work and your personal characteristics. After the interview, the committee or administrators who conduct the program will give you a numerical rating based on your qualifications and your interview performance. Your rating determines your place on the eligibility list for openings in the program. The amount of time you spend on the eligibility list can be a few months or up to two years, depending on the number of openings in the program and your position on the list. What do apprenticeship sponsors expect from successful applicants? Accepting an individual into an apprenticeship program demonstrates a commitment and investment on the part of the sponsor. Therefore, a sponsor's expectations of an applicant are very high. Sponsors look for individuals who show a genuine desire to pursue the occupation she applies for and who has a willingness to learn. Often, this is reflected in school attendance and demonstrated responsibility on the job. Sponsors, especially those in the construction trades, look for applicants who are familiar with specific working conditions in their and who can demonstrate an ability to cope with them, including extreme weather, confined spaces, heavy lifting, early morning shifts, and frequently changing worksites. Registered apprenticeship programs are required to keep records of interviews, including a summary of the factors considered in the interview. If you are rejected, you are entitled to a written statement, including the reason(s) for the rejection and available appeals rights. When you are accepted in an apprenticeship program, you and the sponsor of the program will sign an apprenticeship agreement. The agreement defines the terms of your apprenticeship. Your rights and responsibilities as an apprentice are in your apprenticeship agreement and if you are in a union program, your union's constitution and by-laws. If you are in a union program, you are a union member and you will be required to pay union dues. The dues for apprentices are less than dues for journeypersons. It is important that you pay dues on time each month, even it you have not been given work or are off the job. Failure to pay dues could leadto expulsion from the union and the apprenticeship program. Unions are responsible for the relatively high wages that skilled trade workers and industrial workers earn. Overall, unionized workers in the United States earn 30% more than nonunion workers. As a union member you work under a contract that fixes wages and benefits, protects your job, guarantees the conditions under which you work, and provides a mechanism for challenging employers' actions that you believe are unfair and are in violation of the contract. But unions don't protect only their own members. Unions have a history of fighting for laws that benefit all workers, such as social security, unemployment, workers' compensation, and safety and health standards. Career support for working women Working women stuck in low-wage jobs often have a limited amount of time to spend on searching for a better career. To address this problem, Chicago-based Women Employed has launched Career Coach, a free online service to help people identify and persue careers that offer family-supportive wages. This service allows women with employment and family commitments to make use of career resources at a time convenient to them. Check out Career Coach at womenemployed.org Getting the job It is important to keep certain things in mind when you are looking for a job or interviewing for an apprenticeship program. The impression you make in your interview will be crucial to whether or not you are successful. Here are some ideas to keep in mind regarding your interview. Learn something about the company, program, or union. This shows that you have done your homework and have an interest in the job. Practice answering questions you think the interviewers might ask. Also, write down questions you have about the job. Be articulate about your skills and bring your resume. Be sure you know where the interview is and how long it will take to get there. Never be late for an interview. The Interview There are certain things to keep in mind at your interview. The person who is interviewing you is looking for certain skills and behaviors. The most important thing to remember is honesty. Never lie about your resume or your skills. Here are a series of questions taken from Women's Resources, a publication of Step-Up for Women: "Tell me about yourself." You should not take this opening to tell the interviewer your life story. You should stress your qualifications for the job. Remember: do not overwhelm the interviewer with unnecessary information. "Why do you want to do this kind of work?" Be honest. Some responses could be: I like to work with my hands. I like to look at what I've done at the end of the day and feel proud of doing a good job. I want a good wage so I can support my family (you should probably combine this with other reasons so that your interviewer will not think you are interested only in the money). "Why did your last job end?" Answer honestly. If it is something that can be perceived as negative, try to portray it in a positive light. Do not say negative things about your previous employer. "Do you have children? Are you planning a family?" This is an improper (unlawful) question, but it may be asked anyway. In most cases, the interviewer really wants to know if you will be a reliable employee. You can choose whether or not to answer the question, but in any case, stress your commitment to being a reliable worker. "What is your weakest point?" Be honest, but do not take this opportunity to bare your soul. Take an apparent weakness and try to make it something positive. For example, "Some people say I'm a perfectionist. I really take pride in my work and know that it's cheaper to get it right the first time. But I'm also working on bringing up my speed." Be confident! Don't let yourself be talked out of your skills and abilities. You have just as much right to that job as the next person. Persistence is the key to success. Here are a few more suggestions you can take during your search: Contact the employers in your area who offer apprenticeships in the field of your choice and let them know that you are seriously interested and that you will take the initiative. Be active Make phone calls to businesses and local unions, and continue to check on the status of applications you have submitted. Keep in mind that there are many places that can offer you the opportunity to get ahead. The places where you have applied for apprenticeship positions will be able to keep you informed of the status of your application. Keep calling them. Don't be discouraged if it takes some time. Remember: the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Contact local tradeswomen's support groups. Keep informed about training programs and apprenticeship opportunities and new jobs. Keep a notebook for recording details about your search, including programs you have applied for, specific apprenticeship and job information, names and phone numbers of useful contacts, a copy of your resume and/or school transcripts, and a few words of encouragement to keep yourself going! Equal Opportunity You should also be aware that there are laws to protect an individual from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and mental or physical disability. If you have been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights (RICHR), a state agency responsible for the enforcement of civil and human rights laws. The RICHR also provides other services. They are responsible for education and outreach to the public. If you feel you have a charge of discrimination, you should contact the RICHR at: RI Commission for Human Rights 180 Westminster Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903 401-222-2661; 401-222-2664 (TDD) Your charge must be filed within a year of the discrimination. The charge is delivered to the person or company the claim is made against and they are given an opportunity to respond. Once the process is set into motion, an investigator, acting as a neutral party, gathers evidence supporting or disputing the claim. There is no charge for filing a complaint, you are not required to have a lawyer, and there are no legal fees or any other costs. Sexual harassment is against the law Women working in male-dominated occupations experience sexual harassment more often than women in more traditional fields. Any unwanted verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature is considered sexual harassment. If you are being harassed, get support from friends, family members or a tradeswomen's group. Keep good records of the harassment and try to find witnesses. Consider what you require to resolve the problem. The Commission for Human Rights can advise you. Call them at (401) 222-2661 Don't Be Afraid to Take That First Step "I used to be petrified of heights," laughs Emily Thomas, a roofer and a member of Roofers Local 169. "Now I respect them." Emily's ability to conquer her fear of heights parallels her ability to triumph over self-doubt. She struggled long and hard to earn her current position. After graduating from high school and holding a variety of jobs, Emily decided to make a change in her life. "I was tired of traditional careers with no money and no future," she recalls. Through a friend, Emily learned of an apprenticeship opening in the building trades and soon entered a four-year program. "It wasn't easy in the beginning," she remembers, "but I made up my mind from day one that I wouldn't quit until I acquired what I came there for." Emily has been discriminated against on the basis of both her sex and her ethnicity. However, she says, "I learned to turn the other cheek. I'm proud to be a woman. I'm proud to be Native American and I'm pround of my cultural heritage." In fact, hardship has only added to Emily's strength of character. "The more people told me I couldn't do it, the harder I tried. In the end though, I wasn't trying to prove them wrong I was trying to prove myself right." In addition to the financial benefits, Emily feels there are many positive aspects of a career in the building trades. "Being a roofer has been the only satisfying job for me," she insists. "I like that I am able to let my frustrations out, that I don't have to censor myself like I would in an office." Emily finds that her work allows her to learn new things every day. "I enjoy learning," she says. "Once you learn a trade, no one can take it away from you. You will have that skill forever and you can go as far as you want with it." To other women considering entering a non-traditional career, Emily urges, "Do what your heart tells you to do. There is nothing to hold you back except yourself. The opportunity is there. Don't be afraid to take the first step."
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