News: Telephone and Writing Skills
Older US employees receiving training
21 January 2008
Older employees in the US are receiving training in areas such as telephone skills under the Workforce Investment Act.
A new category of employee, the 'silver collar worker', is defined as those aged over 50, the Chicago's Business Ledger reports.
Beth O'Neill of DuPage Workforce Board said that this will help businesses view older workers in a different light.
She said: "Older workers have experience, experience, experience, coupled with a great work ethic. Older workers can bring what they have seen and done to a company."
"They are a positive influence on the work habits and productivity of young workers. Also, they are productive through attendance, dedication, loyalty and punctuality. Older workers take pride in a job well done."
Many older workers can receive training under the Workforce Investment Act, including telephone skills training, interviewing training and research training.
Training for older workers can be very productive. O'Neill cites the example of Joe M, who went back to school in his 60s to get the licenses for a financial analyst position.
