Elder Job Seekers are Reminded that Aging is an Advantage

It's never too late to learn! Such was the message at an informational employment seminar held at Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) for area elders. As part of MVES' Senior Training and Employment Program, an on-the-job training program that helps elders find employment, a speaker from The Career Place offered instruction and guidance to twelve seniors.

Representing the Career Place, a state employment resource facility in Woburn, Jan Flight encouraged the group to see "aging as an advantage." Flight emphasized elders' work ethic and dedication as attractive characteristics for potential employers. She encouraged group members to recognize their many years of experience, while also availing themselves of future opportunities to learn.

"Elders can be a valuable asset to employers of all types," said MVES Director of Human Resources Bernice Brown. "The accumulated experience and wisdom of seniors helps make them tremendous employees. This, combined with a willingness to learn new skills such as computer applications, make elders a unique group of job seekers."

The Senior Training and Employment Program at MVES is open to seniors 55 years and older who meet income guidelines. The federally-sponsored program seeks to provide elders with meaningful community service employment on a temporary basis. During this time, elders have paid on-the-job training and refine new skills. The ultimate goal of the program is to provide enough training to make each senior more marketable for permanent employment.

MVES runs the Senior Training and Employment Program for the communities of Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Revere, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Winthrop. The program currently seeks elders who are looking for employment. Please contact Carrie Fragnoli, Senior Aide Program Coordinator, at 781-324-7705 for more information.