A new report suggests more resources are needed for older adults in Central Alberta who are looking for work.
On Friday, the Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre and Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce held a press conference to reveal the results of the Central Alberta Older Adult Employment Strategy Assessment project, which the Province of Alberta funded.
The project’s goal was to understand the current barriers to employment faced by people older than 55 in Central Alberta and the needs of employers confronting a shortage of skilled, experienced, and available labour.
Feedback from individuals and employers indicated that there were significant gaps and a lack of resources for adults over 55 years old.
“There are older adults who have so many skills and they’re being under-utilized. … Older adults have a lot to contribute to community and we need to remember that,” said Amber Mack, Golden Circle executive director.
“The questions shouldn’t be, ‘Why do they need a job?’ The question should be, ‘How do we support them in achieving employment opportunities and reaching goals?’ Just like a 20-year-old or 30-year-old, the why doesn’t matter.”
The report suggests there was a significant lack of awareness among Central Albertans over 55 and employers regarding the existing employment resources, tools and assistance available, particularly a shortage of programs tailored for older job seekers.
There are 17 organizations that offer resources, training and employment services, but only two have specific programs or resources for adults over 55.
The top barriers of employment identified by individuals were: uncertainty about transferring skills and experiences to new settings; feeling disrespected or excluded; lack of compensation; and lack of network connections to reach out to.
Only six per cent of the individuals surveyed for the report had received or identified resources specifically tailored to their age group while seeking employment opportunities. Only eight per cent of employers surveyed were aware of or utilized resources that assist in recruiting or retaining adults 55.
The report suggests the following recommendations:
- Tailor employment services, resources and tools for adults over 55;
- Implement a system navigator to streamline employment opportunities for adults over 55;
- Develop resources in collaboration with diverse community organizations, adults over 55 and employers to improve the recognition of and reduction of ageism, in the workplace.
Scott Robinson, Red Deer Chamber CEO, said it’s important to educate employers to “think more broadly” about the labour pool.
“A message that’s come through this is to think more broadly and more diversely in terms of what’s out there for employment and where those pools or pockets of people may be,” said Robinson.
The full report will be available online in the near future.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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