The Kerby Centre is working with mature job seekers to navigate the changing job market and on Tuesday hosted a session to help people enhance their resumes and connect with resources.
Those who attended the ‘Boomers at Work’ job seek conference at the centre were taught how to use Linkedin and other networking tools and they also learned about self-employment options.
Luanne Whitmarsh is the CEO of The Kerby Centre and says enrolment in the session is double that of last year.
“We’ve had to change the room that it’s in because it’s grown to the degree that it has, which is a fantastic problem to have, so when more people are looking for work or what work means to them, then they’re finding this group and this group is really growing,” she said. “It’s very peer-led and so its people talking to others about their own experiences and so it’s not necessarily some professional person telling you, if you write this on your resume, this is the way it’s going to be. This is someone who’s had those experiences, really feels connected to the employment journey and how do we then help you in yours and then those people stay and they help the next group and they help the next group and that’s what peer-led is all about.”
Many of the participants were there to build up their networks and identify areas where workers are wanted.
“I’ve been out of work for a few months, looking at a career change possibly,” said Gary Anderson. “I’m a carpenter by trade and I love doing that and I love talking to people about it. I know the ins and outs of most buildings because I’ve built them.”
“What this course helped me with is to get to know people, get to networking and get some new contacts and develop my network and also increase my self-esteem and to really adapt my resume and my job search to the current market,” said Gosia Smith. “It did give me confidence and I did learn a lot.”
Lowes is opening two new stores in Calgary’s Signal Hill and Shawnessy areas and representatives from the company were at the event looking for workers.
“With Lowes we hire you for who you are, we’re going to teach you what we want you to know and all the experiences that they have bring great value to us and to our customers,” said Melissa Adshead Human Resources Manager for Lowes. “We want you to engage with customers, bring your experiences and share them, it’s a great environment to be in and I think all the Boomers we do employ today will be very happy with us.”
The ‘Boomers at Work’ conference is just one of the programs that The Kerby Centre offers to help older adults in the community.
Click HERE for more information on programs and upcoming events.
