User talk:DonaldRichardSands/Targeted Initiative for Older Workers

Introduction

The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) is a Canadian Federal government program to help unemployed older workers reenter the work place. It is part of the Canadian government's economic action plan. The TIOW began in 2006 and was complemented by an expert panel which investigated issues involving older workers.

In Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Employment Solutions offered the TIOW. They financed participants in taking Sault College's Office Assistant certificate program by covering both tuition and textbook costs. Participants received training in basic computer and service skills in order to work at a variety of clerical positions.

TIOW Offered Across Canada

The Target Initiative for Older Workers is a Federal Government cost-shared program with the individual provinces. These programs are called Labour Market Agreements (LMA) and are part of Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDA).

Prince Edward Island

In August, 2007, Monte Solberg, Federal Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and the Richard Brown, PEI Minister of Development and Technology announced the signing of a Canada-Prince Edward Island TIOW agreement as part of programming reaching until March 31, 2009.

Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, the Ministry of the Economy assumed responsibility for the delivery of the TIOW. In 2011-12 nine TIOW projects were delivered throughout the province.

Retraining

One feature of the TIOW program is job retraining. In November, 2010, The Globe and Mail reported that job retraining often does not resolve a person's unemployment.

Further reading

• Finnie, Ross; Gray, David (February 2011). "Labour-Force Participation of Older Displaced Workers in Canada" (PDF). IRPP Study No. 15. Institute for Research on Public Policy. ISBN 978-0-88645-245-2. Retrieved 2012-11-18.

• "Displaced Workers and Wage Insurance". Sidebars. Institute for Competitiveness and Prosperity. July 22, 2011. Retrieved 2012-11-17.

Background literature

Other countries

Europe

• Gregory Viscusi and Lorenzo Totaro (October 17, 2012). Retirement No Option for Older Workers in Europe’s Crisis. Business Week.

Eric Thode, “They may not always be happy about it, but older people are staying in jobs longer than they used to,” said Eric Thode, senior expert at Bertelsmann Stiftung, a research institute based in Gutersloh, Germany. “Young people are taking the brunt of the crisis.”...“Countries that have high rates of senior employment also have high rates of youth employment,” he said, citing Germany and Sweden. “Other countries fail both groups.”

Mathieu Plane, “Activity rates of elderly workers are more affected by policy choices, while young workers more at the whim of markets,” said Mathieu Plane, an economist at OFCE, a research institute associated with Paris-based graduate school Sciences Po. “The main adjustment to the crisis has come from companies not renewing the short-term contracts of younger workers.” ... Elderly unemployed on average stay jobless twice as long as the overall population because their skills are often outdated and their salary needs too high, Plane said. Nor do they have the option of returning to education or moving in with parents.

United States

• A Closer Look At America's Aging Workforce. U.S. News And World Report. The Huffington Post, (October 14, 2012).

"The sustained rise in older workers periodically produces concerns that the job and career prospects of younger workers are being hurt by the slowness of older workers to retire and make room for younger generations. The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College has taken a close look at whether rising numbers of older workers have 'crowded out' younger workers and adversely affected their job prospects. It found that keeping older employees on the job actually has the opposite effect. 'The evidence suggests that greater employment of older persons leads to better outcomes for the young—reduced unemployment, increased employment, and a higher wage,' the Center concluded in its study. 'The patterns are consistent for both men and women and for groups with different levels of education.' "

• Munnell, Alicia H. & Wu, April Yanyuan (October 2012). Will delayed retirement by the baby boomers lead to higher unemployment among younger workers? Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.

Other

• "HRSDC Consultations with Older Workers and Employers: Summary of What We Heard". Publications and Resources, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. 2011. ISBN 978-1-100-19235-2. Retrieved 2012-10-12.

• "Targeted Initiative for Older Workers". Employment Measures, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. Retrieved 2012-10-12.

• Older Workers in the New Economy: A Symposium on the Report of the Expert Panel on Older Workers

Journal Title - Canadian Public Policy

Article Title - Older Workers in the New Economy: A Symposium on the Report of the Expert Panel on Older Workers

Volume - Volume 35

Issue - 4

First Page - 469

Last Page - 471

Issue Cover Date - 2009-12-01

Author - W. Craig Riddell

DOI - 10.3138/cpp.35.4.469

Link - http://utpjournals.metapress.com/content/H70M2428521644P5

• Perspectives on Labour Shortages: Exploring the Education-Jobs Gap, Proceedings of the 2008 Work and Learning Network Conference, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

...in fall 2006 HRSDC announced a major Targeted Initiative for Older Workers to help retain or re‐integrate older workers into the workforce through training and other supports.

http://www.wln.ualberta.ca/en/Events/Archives/~/media/wln/Documents/Events/Conference_docs/2008_WLN_Conference_Proceedings.pdf#page=57

• Demographic Change and Local Development: Shrinkage, Regeneration and Social Dynamics

CHAPTER 22: SUPPORTING OLDER WORKERS IN CANADA’S VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES: THE CASE OF THE TARGETED INITIATIVE FOR OLDER WORKERS HUMAN RESOURCES AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CANADA

http://www.pakte.at/attach/Demographic_changes.pdf#page=231

In the news

2009

News event: 2009, a new program introduced; interview with Candace Matthews: managing co-ordinator of the Port aux Basques and Area Chamber of Commerce.

• Thomas, Brodie (July 27, 2009). "Initiative pairs older workers with local businesses". The Gulf News. Port aux Basques, NFLD. Retrieved 2012-10-12.

• The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) is a program that provides workers aged 55 to 64 with 12 weeks of training followed by a 12-week work placement.

Quote:

Candace Matthews: managing co-ordinator of the Port aux Basques and Area Chamber of Commerce.

"This is a program designed to take older workers with a background in a traditional industry that has seen a downturn, retrain them, and make them ready for the workforce.... We have some participants who are really, really excited about getting back into the workforce."

1. TIOW programs are being launched all over the province. The local chamber of commerce is facilitating the program on the southwest coast.
2. Ms. Matthews said 15 applicants were notified of their acceptance into the program last week. The hope is to have them in the classroom by the first or second week of August.
3. She said the response for the program has been overwhelming, with 30 applications for 15 positions.
4. Mrs. Matthews said it's important to note that this is not schooling or an employment insurance 'top-up.' It is re-training designed to get people back in the workforce.
5. Training will take place at the Port aux Basques campus of the College of the North Atlantic.
6. While some of the training will be the same for all participants, each individual will receive specific training in the field they hope to enter as well.
7. Ms. Matthews said at least eight of the 15 will do their 12-week work term on a community project with the town of Port aux Basques. The other seven will likely be placed with local businesses.
8. She said local businesses are aware of the program and many have expressed an interest in hosting a participant for the 12 weeks. The hope is that at least some of the successful placements might turn into permanent employment.
9. Ms. Matthews said businesses on the southwest coast that offer positions on the lower end of the payscale have been struggling to find workers.
10. At the same time, the applicants she has spoken with seem excited at the possibility of full-time permanent work, even though the pay might be less than what they used to make.
11. Participants will receive a $9 an hour stipend while attending training. They will receive $10 per hour during their work terms. Half of their pay will be funded by the program, while employers will be responsible for paying the other half.
12. She said this program should be a great fit for the area, especially since the southwest coast is currently having a problem retaining its younger population.
13. The program is worth $248,031. That funding comes from a joint federal-provincial funding initiative.
14. Ms. Matthews said with the excellent response in applications, she hopes to repeat the program when it comes time to apply for more funding in January.

2012

News event: January 5, 2012 announcement for Windsor, Ontario. Finley and Murray.

• "Governments provide $1.7M to get older unemployed working". CBC News. Windsor: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. January 5, 2012. Retrieved 2012-10-12.

Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Glen Murray, Ontario's Minister of Training, College and Universities, announced Thursday both governments are teaming up to provide more than $1.7 million in funding to deliver projects under the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program (TIOW).

Finley said those workers hardest hit during the recession were between the ages of 55-64, many of whom worked in manufacturing their entire lives.

Quote:

Diane Finley

"This funding will help them identify what they like to do and what their interests are and get the skills they need to look for a job.... Helping unemployed older workers is a key element in our economic recovery.

Glen Murray

"This program is an opportunity to show our support for older workers here in Windsor so they can continue to use their experience and know how to keep this great city growing."

Example:

John Sexton, 60, worked at Ford for nine years and then GM for another 28 years before the plant closed in Windsor. His union directed him to the Unemployed Help Centre and the older workers program.

He went through the program and landed a job in security. He learned several skills, including how to write a resume.

"I hadn't done that in years," he said.

The program was a success for Sexton.

"The day I got my security license the Unemployed Help Centre called me and told me they had a job for me," he said.

Sexton said he's happy in his new role.

News event: February 26, Peter MacKay announces TIOW projects for Nova Scotia

• "Project to aid unemployed older workers unveiled in N.S". The Sudbury Star. Sudbury: QMI Agency. February 27, 2012. Retrieved 2012-10-12.

1. Nearly 250 unemployed older workers in Nova Scotia will get help to re-enter the workforce thanks to the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program.
2. The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are providing more than $2.2 million to help the unemployed through 14 separate TIOW projects.

Quote:

Peter MacKay, Defence Minister

"Through the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers, we are helping unemployed older workers in Nova Scotia develop new skills so they can make the transition to new jobs."

News event: October 10, 2012 announcement of TIOW extension between B.C. and Federal Government.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister responsible for Labour, announced today that the Canada-British Columbia TIOW agreement has been extended to March 31, 2014.

• Duffy, Andrew A. (October 11, 2012). "Older workers key to economy: Ottawa extends program aimed at 55-to-64 set". Times Colonist. Victoria, B.C. Retrieved 2012-10-12.

• "Governments of Canada and British Columbia Team Up to Help Unemployed Older Workers". U. S. Politics, EIN News, Marketwire. October 10, 2012. Retrieved 2012-10-12.

The Canada/B.C. TIOW agreement extended to March 31, 2014

Quotes:

Diane Finley:

"Our Government's top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians and we believe it is absolutely critical to address the challenges of labour and skills shortages... Through the renewal of the Canada- British Columbia Targeted Initiative for Older Workers agreement, we are helping 1,350 unemployed older workers across British Columbia develop new skills so they can make the transition to new jobs."

Pat Bell:

"By working with the federal government on programs like the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers we are leveraging an important resource in our economy - older workers... Using labour market programs like these and others under the Canada-BC Labour Market Agreement help British Columbia capitalize on the human resources we already have in this province so we get the right people the right skills to fill the over one million jobs we expect in BC by 2020."

Statistics:

1. By extending this agreement to 2014, the governments of Canada and British Columbia will invest a further $6.5 million to support older workers living in smaller communities throughout the province.
2. This is in addition to the more than $30.6 million in federal and provincial funding that has been made available since the TIOW agreement was signed in 2007.
3. 4,000 individuals living in British Columbia have participated in TIOW projects.
4. Develop their employability skills and take advantage of work experience opportunities.
5. The TIOW has helped over 18,500 unemployed older workers across Canada.
6. Retrain for new careers.
7. Government of Canada's strategy is to create an educated, skilled and flexible workforce.
8. The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) is a federal-provincial/territorial cost-sharing initiative that provides individuals with employment assistance services such as resume writing and counselling, and employability improvement activities such as skills upgrading and work experience.
9. The TIOW assists unemployed older workers aged 55 to 64, and living in a city or town with a population of 250,000 or less that is experiencing high unemployment, significant downsizing or closures.
10. The Government of Canada launched the TIOW in the fall of 2006 with a commitment of $70 million for programming to March 31, 2009.
11. In Budget 2008, another $90 million was invested to extend the Initiative for three years to March 2012.
12. Canada's Economic Action Plan provided an additional $60 million over that same period.
13. In 2011, the Action Plan made available another $50 million to extend the TIOW to March 31, 2014, and Budget 2012 recently reiterated this commitment.
14. Contacts, Marian Ngo, Office of Minister Finley, 819-994-2482
15. Media Relations Office, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, 819-994-5559

• "Government of Canada : Governments of Canada and British Columbia team up to help unemployed older workers". 4-traders. October 11, 2012. Retrieved 2012-10-12.

1. In Prince George, British Columbia-Up to 60 unemployed older workers in Prince George will be receiving help to improve their skills to re-enter the workforce through the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers.

1. Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister responsible for Labour, made the announcement today.

Quote:

Bob Zimmer

"Our government's top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity... "Through the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers, we are helping unemployed older workers in Prince George develop new skills so they can make the transition to new jobs."

Quote:

Lori Forgeron, Executive Director, Employment Action.

"In order to achieve labor market attachment or re-attachment for older workers, programming that makes use of strategic, intensive and longer term interventions are required... Programming must also include ample re-training options in order for the older worker to make viable re-connection to the labor force.The Seasons Employment Program for Older Workers project will work collaboratively with local employers in order to identify and address workplace issues that act as barriers to employment for the older worker population."

The governments of Canada and British Columbia are making a joint investment of over $560,000 in the Employment Action's Seasons Employment Program for Older Workers project.

Through this project:

1. participants will get eight weeks of classroom training and eight weeks of actual work experience
2. to increase their work skills and ensure they can continue to participate in the labour force.
3. After participants graduate from the program, they will continue to have access to mentoring and support services.

• The Canadian Human Rights Reporter, Oct 11, 2012, Program to help older workers in B.C. extended

Concepts

• ageing
• older worker, 55+, source
• vulnerable communities

"Vulnerable communities are generally defined as those where there is ongoing high unemployment and/or where the community is highly dependent on a single employer or industry sector which has faced major downsizing or a closure." source

• transferable skill
• workplace flexibility
• preferred work environment
• survivor job
• dream job

Statistics

• The average duration of unemployment for those aged 55 to 64 was 28.2 weeks in 2010, compared to 22.5 weeks for those aged 25-54 (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, 2011b).
• They also face major wage reductions when returning to work, with older laid-off workers (aged 45 to 64) losing about 40% of their earnings compared to their previous employment (Finnie and Gray, 2011). These older workers (who are most at risk) are often low-skilled and work in traditional industries. Transitions into new employment can be difficult for these older workers as well, as they are often long-tenured workers with a specific skill set who have not previously had to update their skills. source

Resources

• http://iccweb.ucdavis.edu/students/careerplanning.htm

Previous programs

• Program for Older Worker Adjustment (POWA), 1987-1999

• Older Worker Pilot Projects Initiative (OWPPI), 1999-2006

urls noted

• PEI (2007)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2007/09/05/older-workers.html

• Quebec (2008)

http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?nid=381169 http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/244895/a-new-project-to-help-older-workers-in-the-regional-county-municipalities-of-haute-cote-nord-and-manicouagan

• Nova Scotia (2007)

http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?nid=353989& http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/governments-of-canada-and-nova-scotia-team-up-to-help-unemployed-older-workers-1546747.htm (2011)

• Ottawa (2006) Start-up announcement

http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?nid=247679

• Newfoundland

http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/government-of-canada-helps-unemployed-older-workers-obtain-skills-find-jobs-1613780.htm

• Saskatchewan (2010)

http://newsblaze.com/story/2010031913040200005.cc/topstory.html