While there were rays of hope in the recently released jobless report, statistics show that one segment of the population remains overlooked and underserved. The number of unemployed individuals age 55 and older rose to 2,082,000 in November, up 54 percent from November 2008 and the most since the Bureau of Labor Statistics started keeping records for specific age groups. Experts in Indiana say older job seekers are faced with unprecedented challenges, and many are on the verge of crisis.
"The number of older workers who are seeking assistance from Experience Works has increased an average of 33 percent over last year. Many are on the brink of homelessness or are being forced to choose between shelter, food and medicine," said Pamela Fox, Indiana state director for Experience Works, the nation's largest nonprofit provider of community service, training and employment opportunities for older workers. "Unfortunately, the search for employment is much more difficult for people in this age group, because they often lack the technical skills needed to compete in today's job market."
Fox encourages low-income older individuals in Indiana to take advantage of free job training services offered through Experience Works. Through the Senior Community Service Employment Program, qualified participants receive self assessments, technical and skills training, assistance with the job search process and placement in an appropriate training assignment with a local community service agency. Participants earn the minimum wage while acquiring the skills and tools they need to transition from community service assignments to permanent employment with a local employer.
"Older workers have a lot to offer - experience, knowledge, dependability and enthusiasm," Fox said. "Through the SCSEP, they can get the training they need to overcome barriers and continue to be a vital part of the workforce."
For more information about Experience Works (formerly Green Thumb), or to see if you qualify for the Senior Community Service Employment Program, log on to www.experienceworks.org or call (812) 522-7930.
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