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Non-Traditional Careers

Non-Traditional Career Paths at CCSD

Careers have no gender. The term non-traditional refers to jobs traditionally filled by one gender. Several familiar examples are a male nurse or a female auto technician. However, few jobs have requirements that limit employment to only men or women. People often have preconceived ideas of what is women’s work and what is men’s work, so when deciding on a career path it’s a good idea to consider all of your options. Choosing a non-traditional career can offer many benefits:

Job Satisfaction. Research shows that individuals who choose careers based on their interests and abilities, rather than on gender stereotypes, experience greater job satisfaction.

Higher Salaries and Better Benefits. Non-traditional careers often offer salaries that are 20 to 30 percent higher than salaries for traditional careers, in particular for women. And non-traditional careers often offer better health and retirement benefits.

Better Advancement Opportunities. Non-traditional careers are often unionized and/or have established career paths so employees can work their way up to even higher salaries and better benefits.

Variety. There are a wide variety of careers available. Career searches should not be limited! Considering a non-traditional career provides a greater variety of opportunities.

Opportunities to Learn. Work and skills needed for non-traditional employment may be unfamiliar. Non-traditional careers offer the opportunity to learn new information and skills, sometimes while you work.

Canton City School District Adult Career & Technical Education offers the following programs that can jump-start your non-traditional career:

  • Medical Assistant 
  • Medical Insurance Billing and Coding
  • Nail Technician
  • Practical Nurse Program
  • Certified Nurse Aide
  • Welding

Meet some of our most recent nontraditional students

  • "Nursing is something that I have thought about for some time. I was originally hesitant about entering this field, but I had a positive experience in a hospital setting. My daughter had a battle with cancer and the nursing staff inspired me to want to become a nurse. She is now three years in remission."

    "I was a welder and worked for a company for 7 years that abruptly shut down. This gave me the opportunity to pursue schooling to become a nurse."

  • "I wanted to become a nurse because of my love to help others and I am lucky enough to go through the program with my beautiful wife."

    "I do not regret the decision to join this program in the slightest. I would do it again and recommend this program to all who are interested in entering the field."

  • "I chose the welding field because it seemed challenging. It seems easy but hard at the same time. There’s always something more to learn."

    "I’m very happy with the decision I made. It's a skill that can take you many places and you can teach others."

  • "Honestly, what made me want to become a welder is the stability and the art of welding. Since I am an artist, it makes sense to be a welder. I have always loved the idea of how metals mesh and mend together to hold structures and maybe one day I can open my own business."

    "I’m very happy I made the choice to become a welder because now I know I have a stable career that’s going to take me far for the rest of my life."

Testimonials

  • Keegan Barringer, Practical Nurse Program

    "Nursing is something that I have thought about for some time. I was originally hesitant about entering this field, but I had a positive experience in a hospital setting. My daughter had a battle with cancer and the nursing staff inspired me to want to become a nurse. She is now three years in remission." "I was a welder and worked for a company for 7 years that abruptly shut down. This gave me the opportunity to pursue schooling to become a nurse."

  • Aaron Thomas, Practical Nurse Program

    "I wanted to become a nurse because of my love to help others and I am lucky enough to go through the program with my beautiful wife." "I do not regret the decision to join this program in the slightest. I would do it again and recommend this program to all who are interested in entering the field."

  • Kinnidi Mclendon, Welding

    "I chose the welding field because it seemed challenging. It seems easy but hard at the same time. There’s always something more to learn." "I’m very happy with the decision I made. It's a skill that can take you many places and you can teach others."

  • Annette Brown, Welding

    "Honestly, what made me want to become a welder is the stability and the art of welding. Since I am an artist, it makes sense to be a welder. I have always loved the idea of how metals mesh and mend together to hold structures and maybe one day I can open my own business." "I’m very happy I made the choice to become a welder because now I know I have a stable career that’s going to take me far for the rest of my life."