EMPLOYMENT There are currently two programs that provide workforce training for low income seniors and the places them in agencies to work. Both programs have multiple benefits in that they provide senior with on the job training and that public services agencies receive valuable volunteer services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that during the periods between 2008 and 2018, the labor force of persons age 55 and older, will increase by 43 percent in the United States. By the year 2018, persons age 55 and older are projected to account for nearly a fourth of the total labor force. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics – Employment Projections 2008-2018
Experience Works
Experience Works in Central Florida is apart of a national nonprofit organization that provides an opportunity for currently unemployed, low-income seniors to receive job training and employment assistance. The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) if funded by a program under the Older American Act. Some of the funds are used to pay the seniors minimum age to work in local private nonprofit 501(c) (3), faith-based, or government organizations for 20 hours a week. Often times, seniors find permanent jobs through their service.
AARP Workforce Plus Program
The AARP Workforce program is under the Workforce Central Florida agency and is funded by the Department of Labor. At any given time during the year, the Osceola County AARP Workforce Plus program employs about 21-25 Osceola seniors. Seniors receive about 6 months to a year of work training before working at a job site. Seniors are then sent to work for minimum wage and paid through the funding received by the Department of Labor.
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