Traditional career paths challenged

Construction is one area which is traditionally male-dominated

Learning experts are trying to encourage men and women in Cumbria to consider less traditional careers.

Cumbria's Learning and Skills Council says the county follows the national trend of people sticking to jobs traditionally followed by their gender.

It wants to change this and plans to develop ways of attracting men and women to consider different areas of work.

The council's equality and diversity manager, Marjorie Pickthall, said the examples are fairly obvious with areas like engineering and construction being male-dominated and more women tending to opt for careers in area like childcare and hairdressing.

She said: "I think it is a case of opening up opportunities. There has been a decline in heavy industry and manufacturing in the county which is opening up other job opportunities.

"What we don't want our young men and woman to do is restrict themselves down the traditional routes.

"It is about opening up those opportunities and trying to change their attitudes to what was perhaps considered men's work and women's work."

The council is working with colleges and organisations which provide work-based learning and asking them to promote non-traditional areas to men and women and boys and girls.