A case study of a tailor-made apprenticeship training program for experienced employees is presented. The existing and aspiring heads, managers, and experts in a single enterprise were offered apprenticeship training for special vocational qualification in engineering. The aim of the case study was to discover participants' views about age,…

Three hundred employers in a suburban area of the Pacific Northwest were surveyed for their perceptions of older (ages 50 and over) and younger (aged 49 and under) workers on 12 attributes. In contrast to previous research, this study found more favorable ratings for older workers overall, including categories such as attendance and salary…

Older workers have suffered in public policy priorities because old-age pensions were means of getting the old to retire making room for the young. The history of employment counseling for older persons is reviewed. As the baby boom of the 1950s becomes the senior boom, prospects are better. (Author/BEF)

Describes contextual factors that exert influence on whether, when, and how people retire. Interview data helped identify important contextual factors, including organizational membership, occupational membership, work peers, and the history of opportunities. Depending on the circumstances, these factors can enhance or limit the range of…

The purpose of this article is to provide employment counselors an overview of the growth in the number of older workers in the U.S. Various demographic, employment, and career development trends are presented. Specific suggestions for counseling older workers are offered. Readers are directed to a number of high-quality online resources for older…

Between 1980 and 2000, number of people age 75 and older will increase by 52 percent. Employment counselors who have focused attention on young people preparing for first careers face a major challenge in preparing to meet demands placed on people 55 and older who increasingly will come for help. (Author/BEF)

Discusses skills counselors need when working with older and disabled adults. Specialized approaches to job placement are discussed. Employment counselors should become familiar with characteristics of older persons and federal laws relating to job placement for older and handicapped workers wishing to enter labor market. (Author/BEF)

Problems of training, retraining, and counseling older workers are examined in terms of some of their characteristics, such as slower work habits, decreased physical strength, adaptability, and lack of self confidence. Ways to compensate for possible handicaps through training and counseling are suggested. (Author)

Examines differences in job search intensity and attitudes toward unemployment among 559 jobless Israelis. Findings reveal that job search intensity, psychological stress, and work centrality were highest among participants who had been unemployed for two to three months, and gradually declined for longer periods of unemployment. Middle-aged…

Discusses later-life career planning and addresses unique issues experienced by older adults. Examines some of the specific interventions aimed at providing career counseling to this group. Describes career development theories for adults; career opportunities, such as consulting, part-time work, and mentoring; and offers suggestions on counseling…

The authors present a qualitative study that explored the transition experiences of older workers who retired from long-term careers and who were working in bridge jobs (i.e., transitional work between career employment and retirement). Using grounded theory methodology, the authors interviewed 24 older workers to learn why they decided to pursue…

Interviews with 54 unemployed workers over age 50 revealed that receiving positive social support from family and friends for their job search efforts was significantly related to job search intensity. Older workers perceived supportive messages from unemployed friends as more positive than messages from employed and retired family and friends.…

Case studies are cited in which applicants were assisted by the counselor in assessing their experience and abilities and relating them to the job market. Types of cases discussed are retirees wanting to return to work, homemakers reentering the business world, and men and women seeking a change of occupations. (Author)

Describes a staff development project to sensitize job service counselors to the needs and employment problems of older rural jobseekers and to develop a model in-service project. Counselor response to the program was positive. Applicant surveys showed older rural job seekers generally lack good job-seeking skills. (JAC)