Many women have been discouraged from taking vocational education classes other than home economics or typing. Successful NTO pre-vocational training programs offer instruction in identification and use of tools, blueprint reading, basic shop skills and safety procedures. For numerous reasons, many women lack the skills and confidence to do math. Successful NTO pre-vocational training programs should help women overcome their math fears and provide instruction in computation, fractions, measurements and spatial problem solving. Physical conditioning for NTOs should focus on the upper body strength and endurance necessary for heavy lifting.
Different programs offer different things.
In addition to meeting program prerequisites, GED preparation can help strengthen math and literacy skills for women entering nontraditional occupations. For examples of pre-vocational, GED preparation program, see Mi Camino , a program of the Mi Casa Resource Center for Women in Denver, Colorado. In some states with pre-apprenticeship programs, the academic and technical education of participants is coordinated to optimize the relationship between work and the classroom. Ideally, these programs create a smooth transition between school and participation full apprenticeships. For an example of a pre-vocational training programs, see Wider Opportunities for Women's Work Skills Program and the Cincinnati YMCA's Nontraditional Jobs Program .