CANCELED: WCTC's nontraditional occupation workshops provide insight into wide range of careers

8724_NTO Newsroom Photo

PEWAUKEE, Wis. (UPDATED: Thursday, March 12, 2020) –  These events have been canceled. Nontraditional occupations (NTO), as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor, are those in which women or men represent less than 25 percent of the workforce, for example, women in the skilled trades or men in healthcare.

More and more, women and men are breaking down barriers to pursue careers traditionally dominated by the opposite gender.

Waukesha County Technical College is offering six different NTO workshops for those interested in exploring new careers. All events are free, however registration is required as space is limited. These events are led by WCTC instructors who are experts in their field.

Women in Welding -- Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m. to noon

 (This event is open to first-time participants only; those in attendance must wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and have their hair tied  back.) Attendees will gain hands-on practice in basic welding techniques such as hand forming, welding and finishing. Additionally, discover the vast opportunities available in metal fabrication and welding, and take home an item made during the session.

Women in Computer Network Support -- Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

More girls and women have taken an interest in information technology and are working with computer systems. Workshop participants will get an overview of information technology (IT) careers and gain practical experience the state-of-the-art wireless networking lab.

Women in Automotive Careers -- Tuesday, April 7, 5 p.m. to 7 p. m.

Women account for just 9.7 percent of all employees in the auto repair and maintenance industry in the U.S., and employers are hoping to change that number. Those participating in this event will be able to try out a scanner to communicate with processors and computers on a vehicle, and learn to use a semi-automated tire changer during this hands-on workshop.

Men in Early Childhood Education -- Thursday, April 9, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Young students can benefit from positive male role models in the classroom, yet just 2 percent of early childhood educators are men. In this two-hour workshop, participants will learn more about the opportunities and rewards of working in an early childhood setting and discover the importance of a gender-diverse early learning environment for children.

Men in Cosmetology -- Monday, May 4, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

In the cosmetology industry, historically viewed as a field for women, the percentage of men – now hovering around 16 percent – is expected to rise. In this hands-on workshop, participants will have opportunities to watch demonstrations of male and female haircutting, practice techniques on a mannequin and hear from guest speakers in the industry.

Men in Medical Assisting -- Wednesday, May 13, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Women outnumber men in the healthcare industry, yet there are numerous opportunities for rewarding and varied work in the field. Medical assistants are critical members of the healthcare team, and it’s a job that’s in demand. In the two-hour workshop, participants will learn to take vitals, explore aseptic technique and participate in hands-on lab experiences.

This NTO programming was made possible thanks in part to funding from the Carl D. Perkins Act and Technical Education Act, Assuring Access and Participation in Nontraditional Occupations grant.

To learn more about the workshops and to register, visit https://www.wctc.edu/events/careers/index.php. Sign up soon as space is limited!