Seniors return to the workforce for a variety of reasons, some out of financial necessity, some just like to stay busy and stay connected socially and others may want to supplement their income. Whatever the reason there are resources available online and in local communities to help those seeking training and employment.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA)
Offers a program called Job Source. It assists older adults who are seeking employment. They help to identify the skills and interests of each person and then provide training using over 30 free online courses to learn new skills and earn free job certifications.
They also provide resources to help find jobs, write resumes and help prepare for the interview process.
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
The Senior Community Service Employment Program provides job training for older adults. Those who enter the program receive paid training. They offer a variety of different types of jobs. To quote their site, “Participants must be at least 55, unemployed, and have a family income of no more than 125% of the federal poverty level. Enrollment priority is given to veterans and qualified spouses, then to individuals who are over 65, have a disability, have low literacy skills or limited English proficiency, reside in a rural area, are homeless or at risk of homelessness, have low employment prospects, or have failed to find employment after using services through the American Job Center system”
The Senior Community Service Employment Program
AARP
AARP offers several different programs to help older adults train for and find employment.
Their Back to Work 50+ program offers free training, job seeking skills and job guidance.
Their Work for Yourself program helps low-income seniors who want to start their own business and become self-employed.
AARP also works with Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) a nonprofit organization that offers free training to older adults to help them obtain the technology skills they need to gain employment.
Seniors can also go to college for free. All 50 states have schools that provide free classes to seniors. Free College Classes
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Seniors can also contact the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services who can put them in touch with training opportunities to meet their specific needs.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Career One Stop
Career One Stop offers resources and links to help anyone, not just seniors with job training and assistance. They are sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
U.S. Department of Labor American Job Centers
The U.S. Department of Labor American Job Centers provides a wide range of employment assistance. Training referrals, career counseling, job listings, and similar employment-related services.
The U.S. Department of Labor American Job Centers
Jobs for Veterans State Grants Program (JVSG)
Jobs for Veterans State Grants Program (JVSG) helps veterans with job placement by providing employment services. A senior must be a veteran to qualify.
Jobs for Veterans State Grants Program
And don’t forget local resources, check with your public library, senior center and other agencies to find out what kind of training they provide for seniors looking for work.
The Tech Minimalist 