Older Worker Employment Search Support Continues

March 30, 2012, Waterloo – Today Lutherwood announced that it can again start accepting applications for its successful Targeted Initiatives to Older Workers program. TIOW is a joint federal-provincial initiative that provides unemployed workers aged 55 to 64 with support finding employment. Eligible participants receive skills upgrading, financial supports for training and associated costs, and placements with local employers.

With the funding contract for this program being renewed, Lutherwood is accepting applications again. “While we were optimistic that our funders would continue to support this very successful program, with the funding uncertainty, we ceased taking applications and started to support older workers through alternative programs" said Sherri McDermid, Program Manager at Lutherwood. “However, TIOW is a better fit for these workers as it is designed specifically for their unique needs.”

TIOW was created in response to the economic downturn and the impact on older workers. Many older workers have been in the same job for years and, therefore, have little job searching experience. Also, with skills and technologies changing, many lack the formal training that is required by today’s employers. TIOW helps get these individuals back into the workforce. Last year, Lutherwood’s TIOW program helped more than 180 participants return to work.

Lutherwood is a not-for-profit organization that supports youth and adults looking for employment, youth with mental health issues, people at risk of being homeless and families in need of counselling. Its employment services include pre-employment preparation, job development assistance, access to training opportunities and government incentives for employers. Its services are accessed by more than 20,000 people annually in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

For more information, please contact Sherri McDermid, Program Manager, 519-623-9383 Ext. 1138.