(Host) Older workers will soon be getting a boost from a $1 million federal grant aimed at helping them keep their jobs or find a new one.
Vermont Associates for Training and Development was awarded the grant from the Department of Labor.
The money will build on the non-profit’s existing programs for older workers to create four "Mature Worker Resource Centers."
Pat Elmer is the Vermont Associates executive director.
(Elmer) "Anyone who’s a mature worker, who’s looking at retraining or changing what they do or even a retiree who’s interested in coming back into the workforce at these resource centers they will be able to find out about what are the training resources that exist in Vermont through a variety of vendors what type of financial aid might be available and other services that might help them be successful in retraining or re-tooling for a new career."
(Host) Elmer says there’s a huge need to serve the older population. Vermont Associates’ age and income restrictions only allow her program to currently serve only one-tenth of the people seeking resources. The grant will allow them to partner with other organizations to create more training opportunities.
Elmer says the program will help older workers learn about web services and training and help them better understand e-mail and the Internet.
The overall goal is to help 200 workers over the age of 55 find work.