>> Why it's important to use your talents

The UK needs a workforce that recruits people with the right skills, so that we can compete with other countries in the world.

The Sex Discrimination Act includes something called the Gender Equality Duty. This means any service organisations must make sure they treat men and women equally, so for example, everyone must be encouraged to think about jobs and careers based on their skills, interests and qualifications, and NOT on their gender, whether they are male or female.

Jessica has done just that - choosing to follow a non traditional career. She is keen to encourage more young people to use their talents and ignore stereotypes, find out what Jessica is doing now.

Research, by our work experience student Jacob, into career choice among work experience pupils from four schools across Calderdale and Kirklees in 2010, found the following based on their first and second 'placement type' choices:

Animal care
– more girls chose to work with animals than boys – 20 boys (36%), 36 girls (64%)

Catering
– more popular with boys – 18 boys (72%) to 7 girl (28%)

Classroom assistant
– a popular choice with girls, 112 of them (77%). 33 boys (23%) chose this, the only care-related work experience that tends to be of interest to boys

Graphics/digital media/IT
– a more popular choice for boys – 42 boys (62%), 26 girls (38%)

Hairdressing
– a popular one with girls but not so popular with boys – only 4 boys (5%) compared with
75 girls (95%)

Motor vehicle work
– a very male dominated choice with 36 boys (100%) and 0 girls choosing it

Nursery nurse
– a very female dominated choice with 135 girls (98.5%), 2 boys (1.5%)

Office work
– of equal interest to 15 boys, 15 girls

Shop work
– also of similar interest to 9 boys and 11 girls

Sport and leisure
– more popular with boys than girls – 92 boys (72%), 36 (28%) girls

Source: Calderdale & Kirklees Careers June 2010

So that local businesses can compete nationally and with the rest of the world, people in Calderdale and Kirklees need to think carefully about what they can offer in terms of skills and qualifications, and what opportunities are available.

	Why not get Clued Up - check out some real people who chose to use their talents and do something different to other men and women
	Take a look at information on equality and the law on Equality and Human Rights Commission