AARP, the non-profit dedicated to empowering people aged over 50, has launched the Skills Builder for Work platform to help older workers gain in-demand and relevant skills to give them an edge in today’s competitive job market.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics August jobs report, nearly half (49.3%) of workers aged 55+ were long-term unemployed; compared with 34.7% of jobseekers aged 16 to 54. Additionally, nearly seven in 10 women who were unemployed since September of last year have been out of work for six months or more, confirmed AARP’s latest survey of mid-career and older women workers. Around one in five (21%) of those who are working are working fewer hours than they would like; and a quarter have seen their financial situation worsen over the course of the pandemic.
OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN NEW SKILLS
However, according to AARP research, two-thirds of older workers are interested in additional job/skills training; and the same amount have taken some type of training in the past two years.
“Unemployment is tough to navigate at any age. For many older workers who need or want to work the opportunity to learn new skills to help them remain relevant in the workforce could be the boost they need,” stated AARP’s Vice President of Financial Resilience Programming, Susan Weinstock. “As many older workers look for a new job, we want to make sure they have the skills, information and resources to stay competitive in today’s job market.”
According to AARP research, two-thirds of older workers are interested in additional job/skills training. Image credit: Pexels
PLATFORM BENEFITS
The new skill-building platform features:
- Self-paced online learning with courses that may help you grow your career at a speed that fits your schedule.
- Free class options include training in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; as well as “Mastering Today’s Remote Work” and “Personal Creativity for a Lifetime.”
- Earn certificates to let prospective employers know that you are a lifelong learner with the skills needed to succeed.
- Learn marketable skills that are in-demand by employers to help you to stay competitive in today’s job market and beyond.
- Other skill building classes in areas such as Digital Marketing, Communications and Project Management, available for a fee.
AARP Skills Builder for Work was created in collaboration with MindEdge Learning; which provides online learning solutions to higher education, associations and corporations. For more information about the platform, click here.
Nearly one in three older workers plan to work past 70; or actually never retire, according to a new US study. Click here to read more.
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