How Do Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW) Programs Impact Women? A Case Study of the NEW Program at the YWCA of the National Capital Area

This research has looked at how nontraditional employment programs for women (NEW) impact women lives, using a case study approach, and drawing from the qualitative research tradition. Multiple data collection methods and analysis techniques were used which afforded me the opportunity to triangulate the data, thus strengthening the research findings and conclusions. The results from the research mirrors that many NEW programs have empowered women especially when child care, transportation and job or apprenticeship are part of the program’s package. Without the provision of these additional components, drop-out rate is high, finding employment is difficult, and many women revert to traditional jobs. The research revealed that 43 percent of graduates from the YWCA NEW Program have found employment, of which 22 percent are in a nontraditional occupation. It is this 22 percent of graduates that reported an improvement in their standard of living. Many graduates did not understand the nature of the training program and are disgruntled that training was inadequate and the program failed to secure apprenticeships for them. However, the objective of the program was to exposes women to the various nontraditional occupations available, to enable them make informed decision on what occupation to pursue. NEW programs should play a more proactive role in assisting their graduates find apprenticeship after graduation. Moreover, training programs should be clear in their objectives, and women will be aware of what to expect during and after a nontraditional training program.