FocalPoint Partnerships Pennsylvania IssueJune 2020Volume 4, Issue 3

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the future of the workforce, and millions of Americans have lost their jobs as a result. Unemployment has reached record high numbers, for workers over the age of 55, the unemployment rate rose to 13.6% in April, an 11% increase since January.

During an economic downturn, older workers are among the most at risk of layoff. The effects of layoffs have significant consequences for older adults and could force some into an earlier retirement. Being unemployed later in life can make it more

challenging to become reemployed. A study by the Urban Institute, a Washington-based think tank, found that following the Great Recession, it took older workers twice as long to find work than younger workers.

There are many challenges to finding a job later in life. Older workers often do not have the skills or tools needed for online job searches. Those that lack or do not have strong computer skills feel discouraged in their ability to utilize social networking sites such as LinkedIn. Older workers also face age discrimination, often getting overlooked for jobs that they qualify for. Although laws are set in place to protect older workers from age discrimination, advancements in technology have made it easier for employers to target specific ages in their job postings. Using phrases such as “tech-savvy” or “recent college graduate” in online job postings can deter older adults from applying for these jobs, even if they qualify.

MaturityWorks helps older workers gain the confidence they need to be successful in their job search journey. Counselors help assess what skills they have and what skills they need to help them succeed in the job market and find employment. MaturityWorks trainees work in community service assignments where they get on the job training while getting paid.

Unemployment Later In Life

MaturityWorks took immediate steps to protect our vulnerable participants when their host agency closed operations. While participants have been at home, MaturityWorks career counselors have been keeping them engaged and preparing them for the new world of work by providing remote workshops and trainings. Training sessions are held on Zoom every week. Counselors cover a variety of topics such as interviewing 101, networking for mature job seekers, tailoring your resume and cover letter, and successful job searching.

Career counselors also hold peer support calls for participant’s well-being and to offer ideas, and support each other on their job search journey. Participants have been working on creating a list of references and have been contacting them, letting them know about their job search activity. Career counselors work with participants to better understand their transferable skills and strengths they can bring to an employer.

Participants who have access to technology have been participating in computer training offered by local American Job Centers. For participants with technology barriers, career counselors have been assisting them over the phone with job applications and job searching. Job-ready participants will be provided with laptops to assist them in their job search and make it easier for them to apply for jobs.

MaturityWorks Continues to Thrive

Success Story Host Agency Spotlight Lisa Harner had been unemployed for five months before joining the MaturityWorks program. Before joining, Lisa was an administrative professional, Coordinator of Employment and Community Programs, and Site Facilitator for many years. Lisa’s primary barrier to employment was she did not have a strong

professional network.

Lisa worked with her Career Counselor to addressed this barrier and was placed with the Human Services Center in Norristown, PA, for training. Lisa was able to use her skills as a coordinator to gather and provide Case Managers information for the early intervention and placement of children with approriate organizations.

This placement by the MaturityWorks training program proved to be just what Lisa needed. Her networking system expanded greatly, and within three months, she was able to secure a job at The Arc of Chester County as an Administrative Supervisor. Lisa is very grateful to the MaturityWorks training program for all it has done in returning her to a state of self-sustainability.

PA CareerLink in Montgomery County offers a variety and wide range of programs that can provide a promising future for job seekers by empowering the individual to realize and use their abilities. More than 500 people visit the center every week for job search counseling, occupational training programs, career assessment tools, and a wide variety of in-house and online workshops. They also help local businesses find, hire, train, and retain a premier workforce. They are uniquely positioned to connect local companies with candidates who fit their search criteria.

Over the years, PA CareerLink has provided MaturityWorks trainees with dozens of training opportunities in reception, clerical and administrative roles. In these roles, trainees have been able to learn and improve their computer, customer service, and networking skills. They also have access to job search resources available at the career center and work with career coaches and recruiters for job search counseling. CareerLink staff have referred trainees to local employers and have provided interview guidance to help them get hired.

www.workplace.org/maturityworks 350 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT (203) 610-8588

Myths About Older Workers Older workers are often overlooked in the job market, and there are many myths about their abilities. The older generation is the largest growing age group and will make up a large percentage of the workforce in the coming years. AARP states that more than 20% of adults over the age of 65 are either working or looking for work, up 10% compared to 1985 and is expected to continue growing.

One myth about older workers is that they are not as willing and have trouble learning new things. Although there are some technical barriers with older adults, they are very motivated and ready to learn new skills. They want to stay engaged and up to date on

new trends that will help them be successful in their job. Older adults who have access to technology have adapted and learned the basics of how to use computers, access the internet, and even use social media to stay connected with family and friends.

Another myth is that older workers don't collaborate well with younger workers. Older workers who take on new full or part-time jobs may report to younger managers. Employers assume that older workers won't take direction from younger workers and will overstep their boundaries. Having a diverse workforce can be very beneficial to both age groups. Older workers bring years of workplace wisdom and experience that younger workers can learn from. Younger workers can help older workers adapt to new technologies and changes in the workforce. Older workers bring a lot of value to an organization and are an integral part of an organization's growth.