Lincoln program helps teach elderly new skills

By: Ian Hest
ihest@klkntv.com

A Lincoln program is helping unemployed seniors all while teaching them new skills.

Businesses could strike gold with some new employees if they dig a little deeper. “This is a very untapped pool and they're really missing the boat if they don't tap into the older population pool because there's a lot out there,” said Cindi Cannavo with Experience Works.

The program aims to teach seniors job skills and help them find employment. It helped more than 30,000 people in 30 states last year and here in Nebraska, more than 400 seniors are in the program.

Rodney Welch is one of them. In his late 50's, Welch says the program provides him skills he didn't previously have. “There are some people that need math skills, or in my case, it's more office skills. I had some but I had weaknesses. Through the tutorial, you can learn these traits,” he said.

Welch spend the past 34 years as a corrections officer.It was the only job he's had, so he didn't have a resume to give to employers. Not a problem. Experience Works helped him there as well. “Job Club helped me build my resume and they give you the tools to actually help you find a job because some of the elderly have long term commitments to the same job and that's no longer the way anymore,” Welch said.

Welch says seniors can be more valuable in the job market because they work hard, call in sick less, and tend to show up on time. All he needs now is an opportunity to shine.

The program relies on a mix of funding and donations. The more help they get the more work they can do. Last year alone, they helped 3,000 seniors get jobs. They encourage you to check out their Facebook page, “Experience Works” to show support.