BUFFALO, MO- As the fastest-growing sector of today's workforce, Americans age 55-plus play a vital role: a trend the Department of Labor (DOL) says will continue through the 21st century.
Experience Works, a national non-profit organization providing training, community service and employment opportunities for older workers, joins the DOL in celebrating the contributions of older workers and the value they bring to the workplace during National Employ Older Workers Week, September 21-27.
According to the DOL, nearly half of all employers think the loss of older employees over the next decade could be a problem for them and they are developing strategies to attract and retain them. Older workers' experience enhances their decision-making skills, they keep institutional memory within a business and help reduce employee turnover.
"Employers are beginning to recognize that by developing an intergenerational workforce, they can increase their competitive advantage," said Sarah Biggers, CEO for Experience Works."It's all about creating opportunities to succeed for businesses and older workers as well."
The DOL and Bureau of Labor Statistics estimate older workers will make up 25 percent of the U.S. civilian labor force by 2020, up from 13 percent in 2000. Experience Works provides training and paid community service assignments in public and nonprofit organizations to help update job skills and build confidence for unemployed, older individuals aged 55-plus who struggle to find work.
"We help older workers get the skills they need to be successful, while offering employers skilled and qualified candidates for local job openings," said Bob Mott, coordinator for Experience Works, operating the Senior Community Service Employment Program in nine Missouri counties.
Leonard Brown, 58, of Hayti is one of many people in Missouri enrolled in the program who has used their training as a springboard to employment. He landed a job with Pemiscot Memorial Health Systems, where he helps take care of buildings and grounds of the hospital.
Experience Works is always looking for new partnerships and opportunities for older workers. For more information, contact Mott toll-free at 1-877-872-4740, email at bob_mott@experienceworks.org or visit the website at www.experienceworks.org.