Effective strategies for educating older workers at community colleges

October 25, 2013

Author

  • Phyllis Cummins

An aging workforce combined with concerns about the long-term viability of social welfare programs has increased the importance of identifying strategies to encourage working at older ages. The present study examined community college involvement in educational programs for older workers. This involved interviews and site visits at 14 community colleges to gain an understanding of the role community colleges play in linking older students to credential or certificate programs. Effective strategies for community college involvement in workforce training were identified and include outreach programs for older students, providing advice for specific programs of study, support during the program to ensure completion, job placement services, and continuing education for skill upgrading.

Educational Gerontology, 40(5). doi: 10.1080/03601277.2013.802193

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Topics

  • Education
  • Workforce Issues