The Columbus Dispatch published an article today about the growing trend of women entering nontraditional fields through career and technical education (CTE) programs. According to local education institutions, female students have increasingly chosen to pursue education in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as welding. This increase in the number of female CTE students is helping to meet increased workforce demands while empowering them for career success.
The article explains that a variety of factors have contributed to the increase in gender equality in these high-wage, valued careers, including federal legislation that strengthens robust CTE programs. Furthermore, a local CTE educator stated that an increased demand among leaders from business and industry has opened doors for these students.
In addition, ACTE’s Deputy Executive Director Steve DeWitt was quoted on the role CTE programs have taken in breaking down barriers for women, as well as the remaining hurtles faced by schools:
“For sure there are some programs doing a very good job attracting females into nontraditional jobs,” said DeWitt, deputy executive director for the Virginia-based Association for Career and Technical Education.
“Generally, it has been challenging for schools. A parent may not want their daughter to be a welder. It’s very difficult for a school to fight that.”
ACTE supports effective public policies that drive equitable access for all to rigorous CTE programs, and has reported previously on CTE’s success in attracting women to in-demand careers in STEM fields.
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