By 2010, one in three workers will be over the age of 50. As the relative proportion of younger workers declines, it is vital to ensure that older workers are prepared to meet the skill demands of the 21st-century workplace.
Through its workforce programs, AARP Foundation supports older workers by providing access to training that will allow them to be competitive in the job market, and by providing connections to companies who value their experience.
To facilitate this process, AARP Foundation was looking for an automated system that could help match an older worker's interests and skills to available jobs in their area.
To meet this need, NBSA created the WorkSearch Assessment System for AARP Foundation to provide all mature workers with informed choices regarding their employment interests and options, assist them with meeting their employment goals and help them attain a measure of financial security.
The WorkSearch system helps individuals:
AARP Foundation is currently utilizing WorkSearch in its 79 Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) offices around the country. More than 5,000 older workers use the system each month.
"The AARP Foundation WorkSearch system offers personally-tailored and highly valuable resources for helping the millions of older persons who need job training and assistance but who are not being served by SCSEP or other public programs. This online system combines in a powerful way the collective strength of employers, community colleges, nonprofit organizations and the public workforce system to develop an older workforce that meets the needs of the 21st century while providing meaningful employment opportunities for older workers."
- Jim Seith, National Director, SCSEP Program, AARP Foundation
"The WorkSearch [system] is a great tool for us. Its assessment and information capabilities are invaluable to the job seeker and are conveniently available 24/7."
- Joe, Project Director – New York, NY
"Our office, in combination with this program, has taken several participants out of their comfort zone in their job search and have led them to different job opportunities; and they were happy with that."
- Shawn, Project Director – Harrisburg, PA
"A woman came to the AARP foundation in hopes they could help find her a job. She had a GED but did not have any relevant work experience. After working through the WorkSearch system she scored extremely high on customer service quick tests. She used her WorkSearch results to secure a customer service job with a large insurance company. We would never have known how naturally talented and smart this woman was without the WorkSearch system. It will absolutely change this woman's life forever."
- Eva, Project Director – San Antonio, TX
"We see the program as a great tool for interview preparation, especially because of the Quick Tests, and it enables people to 'talk the talk' during an interview."
Nora, Project Director – Seattle, WA
