US Money reported that 10% of employers report that they have received internship applications from workers age 50 or older, according to a recent Harris Interactive online survey of 2,534 private-sector hiring managers.  Nearly a quarter (23 percent) of employers report interest in internships from workers with more than ten years of experience.

Trends show that a large number of people unemployed are older and more experienced workers are using internships as an opportunity to get their foot in the door and hopefully turn it into a full time job.

People forget that internships and volunteer work are a way to find employment. Such activities keep your mind sharp and your skills from getting stale. The hardest most mundane job you will ever have is looking for a job. Take a break and try an internship volunteer to help someone else. The best way to help yourself is to help someone else in need. Give it a try you might just learn something, teach someone or if you are really luck find a job!

Kind of interesting news out of New York, the Center for Best Practices of the National Governors Association has selected New York to receive a grant to help keep older New Yorkers active in workplace and volunteer activities.

The plan is designed to help create opportunities for older adults-both employment and volunteer.  It’s specific goals are:

Develop a strategic plan to increase employment and volunteer opportunities for older adults.

Ensure that older adults can age with dignity and respect in their communities with volunteer support from their peers.

Create a unified communication strategy and educational campaign to promote civic engagement among older New Yorkers and highlight the benefits and contributions they can make in the work force and voluntary endeavors.

Essentially this grant will help not only the older workers in the area stay active and find employment opportunities but also encourage volunteerism and help out the city.  A quote from the Watertown Daily Times shows that employers have a lot ot benefit from older workers:

“Older Americans want to work longer, are prepared to work longer and have more commitment and motivation,” said Beth Finkel, manager of state operations for AARP New York. “While they may use more health care, but you save in retraining and don’t lose institutional knowledge.”

Afterall, the Department of Labor keeps saying that the older workers are staying in the workforce longer.  We’re living longer and staying healthier, so it’s not a surprise that this demographic are wanting to or needing to work longer to support themselves. The article sounds very promising so if you’re in the New York area it’s definitely worth checking out. 

The great thing though is that WiserWorker can help you now to find jobs, job fairs and provides resources for older workers right now.  While this grant is good news, you don’t have to wait to find employers who are willing to hire a wiser worker.

Read the full article: Grant to help older workers find volunteer and paid jobs, Watertown Daily Times
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