Girls ditch traditional female jobs

Girls are ditching traditional female careers in favour of those normally associated with men.

A new survey commissioned by Communities and Local Government’s ‘Ordinary People, Extraordinary Careers’ campaign has found 36 per cent of girls aged 14 – 16 are after jobs such as firefighters, joining the army or becoming a police officer.

The results come as part of a new campaign aimed at teenagers trying to change perceptions about career opportunities in the Fire and Rescue Service.

Fire Minister Shahid Malik said: “A career choice is a big decision and young people need to be aware of all the opportunities available to them.  The new campaign targeted at teenage girls aims to make girls aware of the benefits of being a firefighter before they are committed to other career paths.”

Deputy assistant commissioner for London Fire Brigade and member of Networking Women in the Fire and Rescue Service, Dany Cotton said: “In the Fire and Rescue Service women firefighters do exactly the same job as men.  Being a firefighter isn’t about being exceptionally strong.  Nor does a firefighter only fight fires. Firefighters have to be good communicators, sensitive to people’s needs and vulnerabilities when responding for example to road traffic collisions or explaining fire prevention measures in people’s homes.  Girls should no longer worry about whether they would be able to succeed in a career that has traditionally been dominated by men.  I did it.  So can they.”