New program helping over 50s get back into workforce

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Senior residents in Melbourne’s north western suburbs will have access to a new training program designed to support residents find employment pathways.

Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria is launching a pilot program for people over the age of fifty who want to find work in the community service and healthcare sectors.

The Locals Working Together program will help participants with employment goals through a supportive learning process.

The program will consist of eight days of training over a four week period and include training on goal setting, career pathways, financial and digital literacy, confidence building, job applications and interview preparation, communication skills and work life balance and self-care.

Residents will be eligible if they’re registered with a JobActive provider.

COTA chief executive Tina Holgarth-Clarke said the program would provide a holistic approach for older persons to get involved in their employment goals.

“Older Victorians have a bounty of experience and expertise which can be harnessed and used in the workplace and for those who are keen to dive back into working, this program uses a more collaborative approach to training development,” Ms Holgarth-Clarke said.

“We know that during COVID, employment opportunities were often challenging,

“Now, as we begin to recover, there are a suite of work prospects beckoning, especially for older Victorians and this program will provide the skills they need to meet employer demand.”

Details: www.cotavic.org.au/our-programs/ employment-support/locals-working-together