Not ready to retire? CNA program helps older students learn new job skills

Employers in Grand Falls-Windsor say they have trouble finding people to fill jobs in the service and retail sectors.

At the same time, some older peoplewho would like to work are without the skills they need to get back into the job market or to enter it for the first time.

So, the town and the local College of the North Atlantic campus saw an opportunity to bring the two together, and in November launched Employment ReadinessTraining throughtheTargeted Initiative for Older Workers program.

• Job hunt posing big challenges for people over 50

"They're learning huge numbers of things," said campus administrator Joan Pynn.

"They do a series of certifications so once they graduate, they have food handling safety, emergency first aid, those kinds of things. They also do things specific to the retail and food service industries."

Sixteen people between the ages of 55 and 64 are enrolled in the ten-week course, which includes eight weeks in the classroom followed by two weeks of on the job training.

"For most of them, they still feel they have a significant amount to contribute," said Pynn, who also saidsomeare taking the course because they need to work to pay their bills.

Many people still have to work past the age of 55.- Joan Pynn

"I certainly think that's a...legitimate other piece of it. That many people still have to work past the age of 55."

Pynn saidthe students, some of whom have never been to college, are fitting in and enjoying campuslife.

"They have their own classes, but they're out and about in the cafeteria. They're taking part in campus activities. They're fitting in amazingly well at the campus level."

The instructors expect their senior students to have little trouble finding work when the course is over.

"The entire program started because employers came and said we can't find workers, and we'd like to have stable, mature workers. What can you do to help us?" said Pynn.

The course runs until the middle of January.