From the past decade, there is a common occurrence where seniors are seen to remain in their workplaces. This has increased the demand for them to relearn their technical skills, which have further increased the need for the vocational training. Some seniors want to work for long before their retirement, and other want to go back to the work, after taking a break from their retirement. Some seniors search the job due to the money problems, and some feel that the work makes them useful, while the rest just want to work because they feel an obligation towards it and they will be able to save some extra money. Seniors are found to be economically insecure and they have to depend on their saving or on their children for sustenance. Such insecurities can lead to the loss of self-independence and dignity. Studies show that seniors around the years sixty-to-seventy are physically fit and are ready for workplaces.
The Career Change
It is never late to acquire new skills that can help any person both financially and personally. Numerous seniors stay in the same occupation while others are willing to work in some different occupation. By participating in such new vocational trainings, seniors can learn new skills, required for the new job or relevant career field.
Many seniors, after retirement, search for the job that is related to their hobbies. Remaining wants to work as freelancers that accomplish the free living style and they can still enjoy their retirement. There are wide number of areas in which the elders can gain expertise, certification and in a variety of different occupations.
The Upsurge of Computer Skills
Regardless of the industry, computer skills are essential in order to get any type of job today. These include the basic knowledge of Microsoft operating systems and Microsoft office alongside with the internet navigation with E-mail. Corporations use MS office’s outlook for all the email and contact information and its management. Furthermore, to show impressing presentation, learning the PowerPoint is mandatory.
Impact of Technology and Conundrums
The availability of the vocational training programs deeply influences the job demands. Generally, seniors are affected by the general stereotypical problems, which are mostly age-related. Studies have shown that the participation in such training programs is affected by the individual and personal factors like anxiety and self-efficiency. People with internal desire to improve and learn new skills are more likely to participate, as they perceive potential benefit from such participation.
Studies further illustrate that elders report several obstacles while acquiring a job. Seniors identify the age factor and lack of technical knowledge to be the biggest obstacles in finding the right job. They identify the lack of knowing someone from inside the company, its employees, and employer. The work expectation from the employer about a citizen’s ability to perform the work is also found to be the issue. They are often compared to the younger workers. Another important hassle faced by the seniors is the lack of transportation between the job location and home.
The Learning Attitude
Elders express a great deal in learning the skills and receiving such vocational trainings. They also express their desire to become proficient in software’s tools and e-mail with the internet queries. Studies reflect that they are eager to learn new languages or improve their current one for the job requirement.
In terms of training methods, some seniors prefer the traditional classroom training with head on some activities. This will allow them to share the experience with classmates and receive appropriate feedback from the instructor. Other prefer one-on-one training. This aid in getting personal attention from the instructor and they can learn it at their own pace.
Opportunities for Acquired Skills
There are different types of opportunities for the elders. Various communities, programs, classes, courses, and resources can help seniors in getting relevant training. Corporations are forming collaborations with local, non-profit, and public agencies that want to hire seniors. Seniors can work for the agencies enhancing their skills, self-confidence while earning a modest income.
Various organizations are eager in recruiting seniors. Elders generally fear the change of career due to the age discrimination and that prevents them from applying for various jobs. However, some firms still value the benefit of experience and maturity of the employees. Seniors can find work opportunities for both the part-time and full-time in supervision, administration, public relations, marketing, insurance, teaching, and many other sectors. Being an employee, these elders are an asset to the institutes, industries, houses, startups, businesses, and corporations.
The advent of the 21st century has definitely changed the work environment. There is a need to learn the technical knowledge, skills, and ability. Most of the jobs use computers, internet or are technology-based, which will definitely keep evolving in the upcoming future. The on-going developments are already reshaping the production, process, and skills of the jobs. The future can be seen progressing with a rapid pace and will demand the highly skilled and technology conversant workers. Senior citizens will have to engage in the training and retraining of their skills continuously to stay competitive in the work and the industry.
