Hispanic women employed in these manual occupations were also more likely to be machine operators, with 135,000 employed as textile sewing machine operators and 128,000 as machine operators, assorted materials. Apprenticeship programs are commonly registered with the Federal Government or a federally approved State apprenticeship agency. Apprentices who successfully complete registered programs receive certificates of completion from the U.S. Department of Labor or a federally approved State apprenticeship agency. Most registered programs are sponsored jointly by employers and labor unions. Currently, there are approximately 44,000 program sponsors and more than 300,000 registered apprentices.
Latest data indicate that women's participation in apprenticeable programs is growing.
As indicated in Table III, the number and proportion of women apprentices have increased in recent years. From 1978 to 1988, the percentage of females registered as apprentices increased form 3.1 percent of the total to 7.0 percent for the first quarter of FY 1989. For example, women may have to contend with stereotypical attitudes concerning the kinds of work they can or should handle. Although more women are entering apprenticeship programs and being accepted by their male peers, many feel they need more self-confidence in addition to the abilities required of all apprentices. Women are acquiring the necessary education and training to meet the skills requirements for entry into the trades.