Member Article

Women's careers "restricted" in the North East

Sex segregation in work, training and education continues to restrict career choices for people in the North East, according to new research. The report, carried out by the Centre for Public Policy at Northumbria University, found that many women were channelled into low paid, low status ‘traditional’ roles, preventing them from reaching their full potential.

The 18-month long study explored the vocational training provision currently available to women in Northumberland, focusing on the construction, engineering and manufacturing sectors. Through interviews and surveys with employers, key service and training providers, along with local women themselves, it found that women face a range of barriers when considering working in less traditional careers and that many individuals remain unaware of the full range of options open to them.

Amy O’Donnell, from Northumbria’s Centre for Public Policy said: “A number of factors impact on the vocational training opportunities available to women in Northumberland at present. “Stereotyped ideas of gender roles, a culture of low expectations and the impact of caring responsibilities currently combine to limit training and employment opportunities for women. In addition, perceptions around the male-dominated image, internal culture and working conditions in the construction, engineering and manufacturing sectors, appear to act as a strong deterrent to women.”

The research also found that a number of practical barriers are restricting women’s choice of employment and training, including poor public transport provision, a lack of training providers, and the inability of current vocational training courses to meet the specific needs of today’s employers.

Amy said: “Addressing these issues effectively will require government, employers, women and training providers to work together so that a long-term and co-ordinated approach can be developed.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .