Experience Worksis a national, charitable, community-based organization that helps older adults get the training they need to find good jobs in their communities. For more than 40 years we have devoted ourselves to helping people break out of poverty and reclaim their lives and dignity through work.
In July 2009, there were two million unemployed workers age 55 plus; the unemployment rate for this age group was the highest since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began tabulating data by age in 1948. The perfect storm - a recessed economy, increased competition for jobs, and age-related employment barriers - has created a crisis for America’s older low-income workers.
Experience Works conducted a study with participants enrolled in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), a community service and jobs training program for low-income older workers, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and facilitated by Experience Works in 30 states and Puerto Rico.
Many of the older workers in the study did not plan to be looking for work in their 60s, 70s and 80s, but a life event triggered their need to find employment. These triggering events include being laid off; the death of a spouse; and large medical bills due to a personal illness or illness of a spouse. Finding employment is a challenge for older, low-income workers. On average, these 55 plus unemployed workers have been on the job search an estimated 52 weeks.
“These people are at the age where they understandably thought their job searching years were behind them,” said Cynthia Metzler, president and CEO of Experience Works. “But here they are, many in their 60s, 70s and beyond, desperate to find work so they can keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.”
Older workers say the poor economy and age related barriers including lack of the necessary training are the most significant challenges they face to finding employment. A large majority agrees their age makes it difficult for them to compete for jobs with younger workers.
“This study underscores the need to create policies that remove barriers to employment for older workers, and provide additional programs and services specifically aimed at helping older people re-enter the workforce or remain working,” said Metzler. “These actions will benefit everyone because training programs such as the SCSEP have proven to be successful in helping unemployed older workers transition to unsubsidized employment.” The SCSEP, which is the only federal program designed specifically for older low-income workers, is currently funded to serve less than 1 percent of the eligible population. We need all the help we can get.
Many of the older workers in the study did not plan to be looking for work in their 60s, 70s and 80s, but a life event triggered their need to find employment. These triggering events include being laid off; the death of a spouse; and large medical bills due to a personal illness or illness of a spouse. Finding employment is a challenge for older, low-income workers. On average, these 55 plus unemployed workers have been on the job search an estimated 52 weeks.
“These people are at the age where they understandably thought their job searching years were behind them,” said Cynthia Metzler, president and CEO of Experience Works. “But here they are, many in their 60s, 70s and beyond, desperate to find work so they can keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.”
Older workers say the poor economy and age related barriers including lack of the necessary training are the most significant challenges they face to finding employment. A large majority agrees their age makes it difficult for them to compete for jobs with younger workers.
“This study underscores the need to create policies that remove barriers to employment for older workers, and provide additional programs and services specifically aimed at helping older people re-enter the workforce or remain working,” said Metzler. “These actions will benefit everyone because training programs such as the SCSEP have proven to be successful in helping unemployed older workers transition to unsubsidized employment.” The SCSEP, which is the only federal program designed specifically for older low-income workers, is currently funded to serve less than 1 percent of the eligible population. Older Workers need all the help we can give them.
Every year, Experience Works provides employment and training services to over 20,000 older Americans. The demand for our services is great! The economic downturn continues to create unexpected hardships for older Americans who need and want to work. As we enter our Annual Community Contributions Campaign, you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of older Americans. Your support of our programs through a tax-deductible gift to Experience Works is greatly appreciated.
The "Putting Experience to Work" Program Sponsored by The Walmart Foundation
Experience Works announces partnership with the Walmart Foundation to implement The Putting Experience to Work Program. To find out more, click below:
“These people are at the age where they understandably thought their job searching years were behind them,” said Cynthia Metzler, president and CEO of Experience Works. “But here they are, many in their 60s, 70s and beyond, desperate to find work so they can keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.”
