Case Study: Occupational Segregation - Denbighshire County Council

This is a joint project between Denbighshire County Council and Careers Wales following the participation of two Denbighshire schools in an EOC investigation into gender segregation in apprenticeships. The project aimed to:

• Build on existing good practice
• Be an exemplar for other services and organisations
• Mainstream gender equality in its strategic and operational plans
• Engage key partners – secondary schools, colleges , work based training providers, employers forum
• Revise work experience practice
• Provide positive image resources for schools, libraries and youth clubs
• Provide information on tackling stereotyping to young people and parents
• Provide joint training to education and careers staff
• Undertake a pilot gender project with a Primary School

The project has mainstreamed gender issues into the Single Education Plan and in Careers Wales North East and West workplans. The Better Schools Fund has been used for training on gender issues for work-related education staff. Promotional materials have been distributed to all schools.

The pilot project took place with year 6 pupils at Penmorfa Primary School in Prestatyn. The workshop, presented by a local puppeteer company, enabled children to create their own puppet based on the world of work and participate in a performance with their puppet. A reinforcing session will be delivered in the autumn term for the same children as they move from primary to secondary level, with ongoing support and initiatives at key transition points provided by Careers Wales and key partners. The pilot was given media coverage in a local free newspaper delivered to all homes in the area.

A Gender Stereotyping Taster Day was held in April 2007, attended by 21 girls and 2 boys from year 9. The aim was to give students an opportunity to sample courses not normally associated with their gender. The girls experienced engineering and construction work and the boys observed hairdressing.

Other initiatives have also taken place, including work experience placements for boys in childcare centres and computer clubs for girls.