50+ Employment Workshop to Aid Mature Workers in Job Search

Event Schedule June 30 in Coralville

A tight economy and low unemployment is making job searches for laid-off Corridor workers more difficult than ever before.

A new partnership of community organizations is aimed to help those ages 50 or more with a job search.

New insight is available for 50-plus workers through the leadership of the Johnson County Livable Community Initiative and Iowa Workforce Development, Kirkwood Community College, Elder Services, Iowa City Area Development Group and a group of community volunteers. 

The group organized a “50-plus Employment Workshop” that will be held Tuesday, June 30, from 3 to 5 p.m. The workshop will be held at the Coralville Public Library, 1405 Fifth Street. The workshop is free and is targeted to experienced workers.

Al Hood, chair of the group, said today’s job search is very different from 25 years ago. “The purpose of the workshop is to acquaint those ages 50 and older with new and current resources that are now available.”

Anyone seeking work or those who are considering returning to the workforce or retired and looking for a full- or part-time employment are encouraged to attend.

The workshop will include a panel discussion with representatives of area employers. Panel members include Hillary Brown, Hy-Vee; Sarah Bloome, Mercy Iowa City; Jennifer Kurka, Pearson;  Ronda Stout, Sedona Staffing; and Jane Monserud, University of Iowa. A question and answer period will follow panelist remarks. Representatives of the area’s SeniorCorps will also be available.

Hood said panel representatives were selected to demonstrate the range of employment opportunities available in the region.

Participants will also have an opportunity to network and visit with panelists at the workshop.