AARP Unveils "Worforce Initiative" for Mature Job Seekers

The AARP Foundation and 13 major companies announced a major new program called the "Workforce Initiative" to help Americans aged 50 and over to stay in the workforce. This will include highlighting "Featured Employers"-–"companies that have committed to an aggressive program of recruiting, hiring, and retaining mature workers." According to AARP, the first group of Featured Employers includes major names in business: Adecco, AlliedBarton Security Services, Borders Group, Inc., Express Personnel Services, Johns Hopkins Health System, Kelly Services, Manpower Inc., MetLife Inc., Pitney Bowes, Principal Financial Group, The Home Depot, Universal Health Services and Walgreens. The overall goal of the Workforce Initiative is to connect mature workers with job opportunities.

First, it will help 50+ workers prepare for remaining in the workforce by linking them with skills assessment tools and training resources. Next, it will provide connections for those who may want full or part-time jobs or new careers with companies who value their experience. Finally, it will be a resource to large and small companies, to help them understand the needs and interests of a mature workforce. The strength of this program involves commitment on the state and local level working with both the public and private workforce sectors to provide connections for mature workers seeking employment.

Source: News Release AARP (February 28, 2005)