WRITTEN BY WANDA CURTIS
Today’s workforce is evolving.One of the major changes is the number of people opting to remain in the workforce, or re-enter it, after reaching retirement age.
Rather than leaving the workforce completely, many individuals are choosing to remain employed part time. That change is being driven by inflation, rising health insurance costs, increased longevity, a desire to mentor younger generations, a need for socialization, and efforts to stay mentally fit.
According to Jessica Rivers, communications director for the Maine Department of Labor, an average of 46,000 workers in Maine were 65 or older in 2024. Nationally, 38% of workers aged 65 and older are classified as part-time employees, she said.
“Compared with prime-working-age workers (ages 25-54), workers aged 65 and older are more concentrated in arts, entertainment, recreation, retail trade, transportation, and warehousing,” Rivers said. “They are less concentrated in finance, insurance, manufacturing, accommodation, food service, health care, and social assistance.”
Job Training Opportunities for Retirees
There are many opportunities for individuals approaching retirement age to secure job training that can enable them to re-enter or remain in the workforce, Rivers said.
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provides part-time, community service-related training for individuals aged 55 and older who meet certain income guidelines. Through this program, participants can learn new skills, gain valuable work experience, earn a salary, and contribute to the community. Individuals usually work 20 hours per week and are paid the highest applicable state, federal, or local wage.
Nina Fearon, a career navigator with Associates for Training and Development, said seniors who participate in SCSEP identify the type of career that interests them. They are then assigned to a position at a nonprofit or public facility, where they earn a salary while learning new skills.
Participants are taught skills related to their chosen career field, job-readiness skills such as professionalism and etiquette, digital literacy skills, and soft skills such as maintaining a positive attitude and willingness to learn. Training tracks include retail sales, personal care aide, janitorial services, home health care, general office work, food preparation, and child care.
One recent SCSEP graduate was an 85-year-old woman from the Presque Isle area who needed to supplement her Social Security income. She had not worked in more than 20 years and was unsure what type of work she wanted to pursue.
After learning about an administrative assistant opening at her local town office, she enrolled in the SCSEP administrative and customer service training track. She was placed in an internship at the town office and was hired as a permanent employee within eight weeks of entering the program.
“We happily exited her from our program,” Fearon said.
For more information about SCSEP, email info@a4td.org or call (207) 577-6823. Applications are available at a4td.org/application.
Registered Apprenticeships
According to Rivers, registered apprenticeships also offer a strong opportunity for seniors to train for specific careers.
She said individuals can expect four key benefits when enrolling in an apprenticeship: “paid on-the-job work experience, related classroom instruction, alignment of training with skills standards, and a nationally recognized portable credential.”
Career Center Services
Maine Career Center staff provide no-cost, customized services to help people find jobs that interest them and locate resources that can help them acquire skills needed for various careers. Services are available both online and in person, Rivers said.
Staff can also assist with resume development and interview preparation.
Maine Career Centers have veterans representatives on-site who can assist senior veterans with finding jobs, obtaining new skills, and gaining access to state and federal resources.
Vocational Rehabilitation
The Maine Department of Labor’s Bureau of Rehabilitation offers programs for individuals with disabilities through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened.
Maine Department of Labor Website
The Maine Department of Labor website features information and resources for older adults seeking employment opportunities.
EverythingSeniors.org Website
The EverythingSeniors.org website features information about job opportunities, skills training and certification programs, as well as age-discrimination laws and protections.