Some simply call them elderly, but reliable, motivated and rich in life experiences are better terms to describe the members of the 2009 Experience Works class.
Having learned about job skills, “fitting-in skills” and “transferable skills,” among other things, 13 seniors — members of the Experience Works class, which began in December — graduated Wednesday, ready to re-enter the workforce.
“Nobody’s really retiring anymore,” noted Experience Works Employment and Training Coordinator Mangle L. Shanks, before handing out diplomas. “Don’t let anybody make you feel, because you’re (older), you have nothing to offer.”
Work ethic
Older workers generally have stronger work ethics and offer a stabilizing force in the workplace, participants agreed.
Having managed grocery stores in her previous career, Dorothy West, 77, trained to work on computers, hoping for a job as a “desk clerk,” after being retired for about eight years.
“I’m ready; I’m excited,” she said of re-entering the workforce. “I was kind of sick of sitting at home. It’s nice to get out and meet people again.”
Martha Williams, 59, initially stopped working following an injury in 1994.
But she’s ready to work again, after learning how to fill out job applications and other necessary skills, during the training program.
“I didn’t know how to answer the questions,” she explained. “Now, I do.
“I’ve been out looking (for a job), but I just haven’t found anything,” she added. “But I’m still looking!”
Economy woes
Cleophes Pratt, 68, knows it’s difficult for anyone — especially older workers — to find jobs, considering the current state of the economy.
Still, Pratt, retired since 2002, feels “great” to be seeking work again.
“I feel like I’ll be very dependable, dedicated and I’ll appreciate them hiring me, because of my age,” he said, noting he greatly benefited from the Experience Works program.
“It gave me motivation and instead of giving up, it gives you incentive to keep trying,” he explained, admitting in today’s economic times, “you get a lot of, ‘No’s.’”
Retired for five years, Delores Bradford, 68, also is “excited” to begin another career.
“I’d love to work in customer service,” Bradford, who trained to be an office assistant, said. “I like being around people.”
“We’re more stable and probably more reliable,” she said of older workers, who, she noted, generally have no dependent children and are widowed, thus more focused on their jobs. “We’re there (at work) and a little bit more dependable.”
A ‘wonderful’ experience
Bradford called the Experience Works class ‘wonderful.”
“I feel more comfortable (about working again),” she said. “I feel more better about getting out. I did have a little problem with my age, but now I feel more comfortable.”
“I feel good,” said Mary P. Lowery, 64, who was retired for three years. “If I can find the right job, it will keep me moving around. (Experience Works) helped me a whole lot to motivate myself to think about going forward. It just made me real happy to be moving about. At home, I was just sitting around.
“Although (potential employers) turn me down, I’ll just keep on looking,” she added, determinedly.
Chartered in 1965 as a small, rural demonstration program, Experience Works now is a national, charitable and community-based organization providing training, employment and community services for low-income seniors to help them find good jobs in their communities.
Kristin Mamrack is a staff reporter for The Commercial Dispatch.
