Document Type
Poster Session
Department
Muskie School of Public Service
Faculty Mentor
Kimberly Snow
Keywords
Workforce Development
Abstract
As older adults live longer, remain active, and have concerns about financial security, many have chosen to stay in or reenter the workforce. This shift presents an opportunity to leverage the growing aging population to strengthen the workforce and address labor shortages. AmeriCorps Seniors launched the Senior Workforce Development Demonstration Project to explore this unique opportunity. AmeriCorps funded seven workforce development (WFD) programs that provide volunteering and training opportunities, equipping older adults 55+ with skills and experience necessary for permanent employment. The UMaine Center on Aging and the Consortium for Aging Policy Research and Analysis are conducting a three-year mixed-methods study of the seven WFD programs to explore core components that make WFD programs successful. Year 1 findings provide insight into the experience of older adult WFD participants, including their motivations for participating and the benefits gained. Data includes survey responses (N=156) from participants. The primary reason for joining the program, as reported by 55.3% of participants, was "earning a stipend" or "earning extra money” followed by gaining access to employment (53.3%), and learning new skills (50.7%). Respondents overall agreed or strongly agreed that the training prepared them well for their volunteer placements during the program (68.8%) and that the program prepared them well for employment (34.1%). To-date, 22 respondents have completed the program. Early findings demonstrate that WFD programs serve as a pathway for older adults to build skills, contribute to their community, and prepare for employment.
Included in
Workforce Development Programming for Older Adults: Participant Experiences
As older adults live longer, remain active, and have concerns about financial security, many have chosen to stay in or reenter the workforce. This shift presents an opportunity to leverage the growing aging population to strengthen the workforce and address labor shortages. AmeriCorps Seniors launched the Senior Workforce Development Demonstration Project to explore this unique opportunity. AmeriCorps funded seven workforce development (WFD) programs that provide volunteering and training opportunities, equipping older adults 55+ with skills and experience necessary for permanent employment. The UMaine Center on Aging and the Consortium for Aging Policy Research and Analysis are conducting a three-year mixed-methods study of the seven WFD programs to explore core components that make WFD programs successful. Year 1 findings provide insight into the experience of older adult WFD participants, including their motivations for participating and the benefits gained. Data includes survey responses (N=156) from participants. The primary reason for joining the program, as reported by 55.3% of participants, was "earning a stipend" or "earning extra money” followed by gaining access to employment (53.3%), and learning new skills (50.7%). Respondents overall agreed or strongly agreed that the training prepared them well for their volunteer placements during the program (68.8%) and that the program prepared them well for employment (34.1%). To-date, 22 respondents have completed the program. Early findings demonstrate that WFD programs serve as a pathway for older adults to build skills, contribute to their community, and prepare for employment.
