Government accepting funding applications from projects geared to help older workers in hard-hit communities
Projects aimed to get older workers back into Nova Scotia's workforce can apply for funding from the government's Age Advantage Plus program until Feb. 21
Age Advantage Plus works with community organizations to help unemployed workers aged 55-64, in communities affected by significant workforce downsizing or workplace closures, get back to work.
"Helping older workers develop the skills they need to stay in the workforce is an important part of our jobsHere strategy," said Minister of Labour and Advanced Education Marilyn More.
"Continuous learning is an investment that pays dividends in all areas of a person's life and helps individuals be better prepared to find work in today’s marketplace."
Age Advantage Plus, a Department of Labour and Advanced Education program, is funded through the federal-provincial Targeted Initiative for Older Workers partnership. The community organizations plan, design and implement projects that respond to the needs of older workers and the community.
All projects must be designed for, and marketed to, unemployed individuals aged 55-64. In exceptional circumstances, workers aged 50-54 and over the age of 64 may participate, but priority should be given to those aged 55-64.
"The Age Advantage Plus programs have had a tremendous impact on the mature workers in our community," said Bill Travis, executive director of PeopleWorx, a community organization that is delivering a program in Coldbrook, N.S.
"Participants value being in a supportive learning environment with their peers. Employers are eager to hire mature workers that posses such a strong work ethic. This is truly a win-win program."
Applications are available on the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers website.
