IMPAQ International

In a recent study commissioned by the U.S. Department of Labor, IMPAQ International engaged two American Apprenticeship Initiative (AAI) grantees, South Seattle Community College and New Mexico Community College, to identify barriers to non-traditional occupations and promising strategies for addressing those barriers. The study focuses on the lack of female representation in non-traditional fields such as Information Technology, Construction, and Advanced Manufacturing.

In order to attract and retain more female employees and apprentices, the study identifies and discussing promising outreach strategies such as: customized recruitment materials, multi-pronged approaches to expanding workforce diversity, tailoring recruitment materials to cater to the target audience’s preferences, and adjusting outreach efforts to accommodate geographically relevant barriers to underrepresented groups.

Note: American Apprenticeship Initiative (AAI) refers to a 2015 investment by the U.S. Department of Labor that awarded $175 million to 46 public-private partnerships across the country.