'That's not a job for a lady': understanding the impact of gender on career exploration activities in schools

This paper draws on a project commissioned by economic Security 4 Women (eS4W) and conducted by Women in Adult and Vocational Education (WAVE). Entitled 'Women and girls into non-traditional occupations and industries: career exploration - options for secondary school students', this research seeks to identify new and effective approaches to encouraging and supporting young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and non-traditional occupations. The patterns of participation in STEM and trades-based fields of education and training during school mirror and reinforce the highly gender-segregated nature of the Australian labour force. The foundation for transition from education and training to employment is established during school. It is during these formative years of schooling that young men and women are made aware of what is possible for them and what is not.