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Older Workers Employment Workshop, June 30

By June 14, 2009January 16th, 2019No Comments

Program aims to aid mature workers in job search; event at Coralville Public Library

A tight economy and low unemployment are factors making job searches for laid-off Corridor workers more difficult than ever before. A new partnership of community organizations aims to help those ages 50 or more with a job search.

New insight is available for 50-plus workers through the leadership of the Johnson County Livable Community Initiative. Members include Iowa Workforce Development, Kirkwood Community College, Elder Services, Iowa City Area Development Group and a group of community volunteers.

The group organized a “50-plus Employment Workshop” for Tuesday, June 30, from 3 to 5 p.m. The workshop will be held at the Coralville Public Library, 1405 Fifth Street. The session is free and targeted to experienced workers.

Kirkwood Executive Director of Continuing Education Programs, Kim Johnson says the event should “give real facts and solid job-seeking tools” for people facing employment challenges later in life.

“For years, Kirkwood has been focused on employment training in many areas. With every economic downturn, we hope to get people over initial difficulties and to places where they can consider positive options and sometimes new directions they never expected,” Johnson added.

Al Hood, chair of the group, said today’s job search is very different from 25 years ago. “The purpose of the workshop is to acquaint those ages 50 and older with new and current resources that are now available.”

Anyone seeking work or considering returning to the workforce, plus retirees looking for a full- or part-time job are encouraged to attend.

The workshop will include a panel discussion with representatives of area employers. Panel members include Hillary Brown, Hy-Vee; Sarah Bloome, Mercy Iowa City; Jennifer Kurka, Pearson; Ronda Stout, Sedona Staffing; and Jane Monserud, University of Iowa. A question and answer period will follow panelist remarks. Representatives of the area’s SeniorCorps will also be on hand to assist at the event.

Hood said panel representatives were selected to demonstrate the range of employment opportunities available in the region. Participants will also have an opportunity to network and visit with panelists at the workshop.

In consideration of Coralville library patrons, workshop participants are asked to park in areas other than the first two rows of parking.