| Abstract: | In the context of an action-research project on young women in non-traditional occupations, a variety of barriers as well as chances to build up a career as skilled workers have been identified. Although the women are motivated and competent craft workers, their abilities and aptitudes are measured against what women in industry ‘normally’ do. As a consequence, they find themselves in an unstable in-between position between unskilled women workers and their skilled male colleagues. This unequal situation (which becomes visible in specific work assignments and on the pay slip) restricts opportunity for promotion and makes many women behave as if they were locked in low income, dead-end positions. Still, the women have developed pride in their skills. They identify strongly with craft work and use their technical competence successfully in their private struggle for recognition and independence. |
