Iowa City - Standing Room Only at 50-Plus Employment Workshop

Iowa City, Iowa – Nearly 120 job seekers participated in the 50-Plus Employment Workshop in July. The workshop featured a panel discussion and focused on helping mature workers find jobs.

“Participants were urged to explore new ideas,” said Presenter and Panelist Trish Thoms of Thoms onsultants. “Businesses have made changes in the hiring process that many mature job seekers haven’t experienced. They need individualized attention and assistance. Many aren’t comfortable using the computer or the Internet.”

Many of the job seekers who participated haven’t looked for a new job in many years. The recession and high unemployment have made job searches very difficult for mature laid-off workers.

“This workshop was an effort to help mature workers make the right connections,” said IWD Regional Manager Brenda Dodge. “Many in the Johnson County area are qualified to work either full-time or part-time; other may need some retraining.”

The Johnson county Livable Community Initiative created partnerships with Iowa Workforce Development, Kirkwood Community College, Elder Services, Iowa City Area Development Group and a group of well-connected volunteers to coordinate the workshop.

Employers represented included Riverside Casino, Mercy – Iowa City, Pearson, Sedona Staffing and the University of Iowa.

For more information, visit www.iowaworkforce.org or call (800) JOB-IOWA.

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