Funding Offered to Increase Number of Women in High-Tech Fields

The placement and retention of women in apprenticeships and positions in nontraditional occupations (A/NTO) has posed significant challenges in fields requiring high technology skills, including computer-based information technology, telecommunications, manufacturing, transportation, utilities, and general services.



Now in its third year, the U.S. Department of Labor Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations Grant Program promotes increased participation by women in these fields through placements and apprenticeships in NTO positions. Non-traditional occupations are defined as those in which women account for less than 25 percent of all persons employed in a single occupational group.



The 2001 solicitation for proposals in the program is currently open. Grants will be awarded to community-based organizations, or private non-profit organizations, through a competitive process. Proposals should document the following eligibility requirements:

• Applicants have been able to connect women to A/NTO. 
• Applicants have enabled women and businesses to contact the DOL Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer & Labor Services (ATELS) for assistance or information pertaining to apprenticeship training and placement.

Awards ranging between $50,000 and $100,000 will support technical assistance to (1) establish or improve upon workplace assessment tools and surveys; (2) develop strategic plans for changes in the workplace and in work practices that support women; and, (3) provide employeers that have pledged employment or sponsored apprenticeship opportunities for women with linkages to pre-apprenticeship opportunities.



Technical assistance may include supportive services that help women enter and stay in A/NTO. Such services could involve assisting with childcare, providing tools, transportation or uniforms, and/or setting up support groups. The main emphasis, however, will be on technical assistance serving to increase the number of women employed in A/NTO.



Applications are due on or before July 16, 2001, and may be downloaded from the Women’s Bureau’s website at http://www.dol.gov/wb