Standing Room Only at 50-plus Employment Workshop

More than 120 job seekers participated in a free workshop June 30 that focused on helping mature workers find jobs. The 50-plus Employment Workshop featuring a panel discussion nearly filled the Schwab Auditorium at the Coralville Public Library to capacity.

Presenter and panel moderator Trish Thoms of Thoms Consultants said the workshop was timely to help Corridor workers who were recently laid-off.

"Panelists urged participants to be open to explore new ideas," she stated in a press release. "Today, applicants must apply on-line because many companies don't even take a paper application. Businesses have made changes in the hiring process that many mature job seekers haven't experienced. They need individualized attention and assistance. Many aren't comfortable using the computer or the Internet."

Al Hood, chair of the Livable Communities Employment Committee, said 50-plus workers have a real need.

"The recession and low unemployment have made job searches very, very difficult for mature laid-off workers," he stated in a press release. "Many of those attending the workshop had worked for their former employers a number of years before they were laid off."

Brenda Dodge, manager of the Iowa City Iowa Workforce Development office, said participants were surveyed to determine industry and training needs.

"Many in the Johnson County area are interested in working either full- or part-time and they are qualified," she stated. "Others may need retraining. The workshop was an effort to help them make the right connections."

The Johnson County Livable Community Initiative created partnerships with Iowa Workforce Development, Kirkwood Community College, Elder Services, Iowa City Area Development Group and a group of well-connected community volunteers to coordinate the workshop.