Non-Traditional Careers | Western Technical College

Programs

Non-Traditional Occupations

Consider a non-traditional occupation! 

A non-traditional occupation (NTO) is defined as any occupation in which women or men comprise less than 25% of the workforce. In other words, these are careers where one gender is traditionally underrepresented. For example, women in welding, criminal justice, or engineering, and men in nursing or early childhood education. Today, many women and men are breaking down these barriers to pursue new careers.

Why Non-Traditional?

NTO careers can mean:

  • Higher Wages
  • Financial Security
  • Good Benefits
  • Demand for Skilled Workers
  • Freedom to Pursue Careers Related to Interests and Abilities

Choosing a Non-Traditional Career

Before you make your decision, do some research. In fact, gather as much information as you can.

In addition to the resources on this page, the Career Services office offers support for NTO career options. Colin Walsh, Project Proven Manager, can also discuss ways Western can support your journey in a non-traditional occupation. Contact him at walshc@westerntc.edu. In addition, Western has several faculty members who teach in NTO career areas and have worked in NTO fields. They can give you great advice!

NTO Programs for Women

The following programs have occupations that are considered non-traditional for women. Visit the Academic Programs page to find out more about these programs.

  • Agri-Business Science Technology
  • Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration
  • Architectural Technology
  • Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair Technician - Level 1
  • Automotive Service Technician - Level 2
  • Automotive Technician
  • Building Construction and Cabinetmaking
  • Building Science  & Energy Management
  • Business Management
  • Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technician
  • Criminal Justice
  • Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy
  • Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician
  • Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician Assistant
  • Electromechanical Maintenance Technician
  • Electromechanical Technology
  • Electronic & Computer Engineering Technology - CET
  • Emergency Medical Technician - Advanced
  • Emergency Medical Technician - Basic
  • Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic
  • Fire Protection Technician
  • IT–Computer Support Specialist
  • IT-Computer Support Technician
  • IT-Cybersecurity & Network Administration
  • IT-Network Technician
  • IT–Web & Software Developer
  • Landscape Horticulture Technician
  • Mechanical Design Technology
  • Mechanical Maintenance
  • Mechatronic & Robotic Engineering Technology
  • Paramedic Technician
  • Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Heating Service Technician
  • Robotic Programming
  • Welding & Fabrication
  • Welding Technician

NTO Programs for Men

The following programs have occupations that are considered non-traditional for men. Visit the Academic Programs page to find out more about these programs.

  • Dental Assistant
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Educational Assistant
  • Foundations of Teacher Education
  • Health Information Technology
  • Health Office Professional
  • Human Services Associate
  • Legal Studies/Paralegal
  • Legal Studies/Paralegal Post Baccalaureate
  • Medical Administrative Professional
  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical Coding Specialist
  • Medical Lab Technician
  • Nursing
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Surgical Technology

Resources

Closing the Gender Gap

Tips and resources for women to rise in their careers. Website

U.S. Department of Labor

Find an online employment outlook handbook, unemployment rates, and wages by occupation. Website

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Links you to JobNet support services and labor market information. Website

Wisconsin Health Careers

Provides links to colleges in Wisconsin offering training in healthcare with occupational description. Website

Occupational Outlook Handbook

For hundreds of different types of jobs, the Occupational Outlook Handbook tells you the training and education needed, earnings, expected job prospects, and what workers do on the job. Website

ISEEK Careers

Minnesota's non-traditional career resources. Website

Bureau of Labor and Statistics

Overview of BLS Statistics on Women Workers. Website

Wider Opportunities for Women

WOW works nationally and in its home community of Washington, DC to build pathways to economic independence for America's families, women, and girls. Website

The American Assembly for Men in Nursing

Provides a framework for nurses, as a group, to meet, to discuss, and influence factors, which affect men as nurses. Website

Video Testimonials

Katie Pickel - Student, Electromechanical Technology Program

“I’ve found I’ve had nothing but good experiences with all these other guys here. Lots of camaraderie. It’s a pretty easygoing atmosphere. It’s not scary or intimidating at all. It was a good experience.”

Jill Heiser - Student, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Heating Service Technician Program

“I knew from a young age I didn’t want to sit down at a desk so I figured I’d get a job where you’re up and working all the time. That’s definitely what this is—it’s an active job!”

Women in Information Technology

“It's really been a good fit and I can't believe how well it's worked in my favor.”

Renae Giertych - Graduate, Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician Assistant Program

“You can do it! You really can, despite what anybody says, despite what you think, just put in the time, put in the work and you will succeed.”

Randi Cooper - Graduate, Automotive Technician Program

“I decided to go school for automotive which was probably the best decision I ever could have made.”

Emily Wurzel - Graduate, Agri-Business Science Program

“My boss in high school was a farmer and he was a really good role model. He was never afraid to teach me things or had any sort of stigma because I was a city kid.”

Kelly Tauscher - Graduate, Landscape Horticulture Program

“I'm surprised how much I fell in love with it...this is what I want to do forever.”

Steve Thompson - Instructor, Surgical Technology Program

“There were a few males in my program, but there has always been more involvement by females in this profession...that never bothered me--in the healthcare field you work as a team.”

 

For more video testimonials, visit Western's YouTube channel.

 

Contact us