ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the development of training for women generally, both in Britain and Northern Ireland, focusing mainly on school-leavers, unwaged women and women returners. It discusses the influence of European legislation, particularly in relation to non-traditional training and, in addition, assesses the current situation in Northern Ireland by briefly examining some recent initiatives designed to encourage women to train for non-traditional occupations. The information presented in the chapter was compiled from interviews conducted with non-traditionally employed women in Northern Ireland. While only one woman was a trainee at time of interview, five, as school-leavers, had completed their training in local Training Centre. Since the type of training discussed requires day-release sessions at local FE colleges, the young women also had experience of this area. Women who seek to gain admittance to this arena still tend to be regarded with some suspicion. Statistics demonstrate that very small numbers of young girls and women are currently involved in non-traditional training schemes.
