Non-traditional training and employment is defined as fields of work for which individuals from one gender comprise less than 25 percent of the individuals employed in that field. Career planning without the influence of gender stereotyping, “breaking traditions”, is essential for the potential growth of individuals and necessary for our state’s economic growth.
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education supports the Breaking Tradition Award for individuals who have chosen specific training programs because of their abilities; those who have not let their gender influence their decisions to prepare for “non-traditional careers”.
Western Technology Center’s Computer Networking and Security Instructor, Ashley Hix is nominating adult student, Pamela Butler, for a “Breaking Traditions” Award. Pamela chose the Computer Networking Security training because of her interest in working with computers, enjoys the challenges of technology, and the desire to help people who may not be “tech savvy”.
According to CNS Instructor Hix, “Pamela is an outstanding student. She works extremely hard and deserves recognition as a woman in the IT industry. Pamela has earned perfect scores on her classroom assignments. She is a hard worker and a go-getter. If she wants something, she works hard to achieve it.”
Pamela is active as the Secretary for her related student organization: SKillsUSA. Her goals are to work in the IT/Cybersecurity field upon graduation. When asked about her view on gender stereotyping her response was “It still happens in different workforces, but if you have the skills then let them have the job and the pay”.
Western Technology Center’s Auto Collision Repair Instructor, Chris Carpenter is nominating Burns Flat-Dill City High School student, Ambria Clanahan for a “Breaking Traditions” Award. Ambria chose Auto Collision Repair due to her interest in cars. The designs and colors on cars fascinated her since a young girl and when seeing WTC had a program that would train her to do that kind of artistic work…Ambria wanted the training.
According to Ambria’s Auto Collision Instructor, “Ambria has excelled in every way. She isn’t just being nominated because of being the only lady in a class full of guys, she is always towards the top of the class. She has shown skill and work ethic in everything we have done. She also promotes citizenship with her great attitude and outlook. She fits in, gets along, leads the way, and sets the bar high. She makes “breaking a tradition” look like a strength instead of an obstacle.”
Ambria is active in her WTC student organization:SkillsUSA and was recently honored with an Outstanding Attitude Award. At Burns Flat-Dill City High School she is a Beta Club Member, honored to be a Student of the Month, on the Principal’s and Superintendent’s Honor Roll. When asked about her view on gender stereotyping her response was “I don’t think people should look at work in the way of only men or only women, if you have the interest… do the work and make it happen!”