A workshop being offered this fall through Beacon Community Services (BCS) in Sidney can assist mature workers in finding employment.
The Mature Worker Workshop, offered once a month, helps inform and encourage older workers looking to get back into the workforce.
“We often see that mature workers may feel that they are being discriminated against by employers, which more often than not isn’t the case,” explained Denise Smith from BCS.
“A lot of what’s focused on in the workshops is the myths and realities of seeking a job as a mature worker and teaching attendees how to sell themselves to employers as a mature worker.”
Smith also said the workshops centre around identifying and using key transferable skills and prior learning and building strengths and self esteem. The personal perception held by many mature workers that they aren’t desirable hires is also discussed.
“We want to change that perception,” she added.
Smith said BCS is seeing more and more mature workers interested in getting back into the workforce.
“A lot of it comes down to the fact that a lot of people who retired from the workforce years ago are now looking for ways to boost their retirement income,” she explained.
“Others are looking for a fulfilling way to fill their time.”
Smith said mature workers often have more to bring to the table for employers in terms of reliability, experience and skills.
“It’s also about finding the appropriate type of employment to be seeking based on prior experience, skills and physical ability, and that’s something we touch on in the workshop,” said Smith.
The September workshop took place on the 12th of the month but another will be scheduled for October, although a date has not yet been confirmed.
If you’re interested in attending a workshop with BCS or interested to see what other workshops are offered visit www.beaconcs.ca or call 250-656-0134 for schedules and information