Forum Focusing on Mature Workers as Resource to Address Skill Shortage

Connecticut’s employers are experiencing a skill shortage which is capable of halting economic recovery. It is not a people shortage; it is a shortage of job ready workers that poses the greatest threat. Employers that are willing to make an investment in developing employees, of all ages, will reap benefits in obtaining and retaining top talent. Part of that investment should consider that today’s mature workers are healthier, more educated, working and living longer than previous generations.

Unfortunately, age discrimination remains too common. Research from AARP indicates that nearly 2 out of 3 workers age 45 and older have seen or experienced age discrimination on the job, and among the 61% of respondents who reported age bias, 91% said they believe that such discrimination is common.

The WorkPlace in partnership with AARP Connecticut, is hosting a roundtable discussion with long-term unemployed, mature workers to explore bias and wrongful stereotypes which create barriers for the aging workforce to find employment.  This is a challenge that needs be addressed as Connecticut residents seek to stay in the workforce longer than ever before and postponing retirement or doing away with it altogether.

The round table will be facilitated by Joe Carbone, president and CEO, The WorkPlace and Nora Duncan, State Director, AARP Connecticut. Representatives of the General Assembly’s Aging Committee and Higher Education and Employment Committee have been invited to attend.  The conversation will focus on the skill gap; how mature workers can be a valuable resource for employers; tools and legislation that can help employers and employees; and the challenges older workers face connecting with employment opportunities.

The WorkPlace conducts comprehensive planning and coordinates regional workforce development policy and programs to prepare people for careers while strengthening the workforce for employers.  For more information, visit www.workplace.org.

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.