Choosing a Non-Traditional Trade or Occupation: Toward Gender Diversity in Employment

Some trades and occupations are practised mainly by men, and others, mainly by women. These are called non-traditional trades and occupations.

For women, a trade or occupation is said to be non-traditional when fewer than 33% of the jobs are held by women (e.g., electromechanical engineer or computer engineer).

For men, a trade or occupation is said to be non-traditional when fewer than 33% of the jobs are held by men (e.g., nurse or early childhood educator).

Non-traditional trades or occupations are sometimes overlooked when it comes to choosing a career, despite the fact that they offer good job prospects and challenging tasks.

Gender diversity in employment is important in achieving economic equality. Such diversity can contribute to reducing the wage gap between women and men. Women's access to jobs predominantly held by men is particularly relevant, since these jobs are usually paid higher wages.

Visit the Economic and employment equality page for further information about the benefits of gender diversity in employment.

If you are considering making a career change or looking for a new job, take the opportunity to explore a non-traditional career. Visit the Exploring Trades and Occupations page and check the Non traditional filter of your choice to discover the options available to you.