CareerCenter Offers Free Computer Training to Older Workers

September 21, 2007

Augusta- In recognition of the role of older persons in Maine?s workforce, Maine CareerCenters will offer vouchers for free computer training to persons over the Older Workers during National Employ Older Workers Week, September 23-29, 2007.

The New Acceptable Basic Computer Skills (New ABCs) voucher is for very basic computer courses for workers over the age of 50. The purpose for the voucher is to give older workers some computer basics, especially those who need computer familiarity to get a job or advance in their job.

Applications will be given out and collected at CareerCenters only during National Employ Older Workers Week, September 23 - 29, 2007. Only a limited number of vouchers will be awarded, either by raffle or first come, first served.

Vouchers are worth up to $50 each for basic computer training at Maine Adult Education locations that offer computer classes. The Older Workers Subcommittee of the Maine Jobs Council, Maine?s CareerCenters and Maine?s four Local Workforce Investment Boards sponsor ?New ABCs for Older Workers?. Funding is provided by the Central/Western Maine Workforce Investment Board.

A recent Census survey noted that the share of older workers in Maine?s workforce is growing. Approximately 15 percent of the Maine workforce is currently over the age of 55, and during the period between 2001 and 2004 all Maine counties experienced an increase in older workers. Growth was highest in the coastal counties of Lincoln, Knox, Waldo, and Hancock, where the number of workers 55 and older increased by 23 percent or more.

Maine?s statewide network of CareerCenters provide one-stop employment resources for job seekers and employers. Services for job seekers include job referrals, career counseling, job hunting workshops, labor market information, information on training and skills assessment. The public can use the CareerCenter to access the internet for employment related purposes and computers are available for resume development. Services to employers include recruiting, use of interviewing rooms, screening and assessment, labor market information and training resources. Specialized employment services for people with disabilities are also available in the CareerCenter.

Visit your local CareerCenter for more information about the vouchers. To locate a CareerCenter, call 1-888-457-8883 (TTY: 1-800-794-1110) or visit www.mainecareercenter.com.

#