Recently, I talked with Craig Aldrich, the Employment and Training Coordinator for the past seven years at Experience Works, Inc., an organization which enables older persons, many semi-retired, to locate part-time work or more. I wondered how the program works and exactly who might benefit from it.
SA: Craig, this program is part of the Senior Community Service Employment Program. Through Experience Works, as many as 50,000 people are impacted each year through training and development of basic skills enabling many who have not worked in our “technological” world for many years to do so. What is the average age of those coming to the Experience Works offices in Fargo and Grand Forks? Is Experience Works in all 50 states now?
CA: At present, the average age of those seeking services is 62. Since SCSEP is a federally funded program, it is in all 50 states. EW runs the older-worker program (SCSEP) in 30 states and Puerto Rico.
SA: Many older workers are facing many challenges in today’s workforce. Could you explain how Experience Works is helping older workers face and overcome the challenges they find daunting at first?
CA: Age has nothing to do with challenges; they are as unique as the individuals themselves. Part of what we do at Experience Works is to assess a person’s work history, interests and abilities going forward. This is instrumental in developing an employment plan that is individualized to help the person as they move forward. Once the interests and abilities have been identified, we then have them interview at a local nonprofit or government entity to establish an onsite training curriculum that supports their interests and begins their journey back to employment.
SA: What are the requirements to join Experience Works? Is there any type of fee charged? If a person draws Social Security, are they still eligible?
CA: There are three criteria that are used to determine eligibility for the program: (1) They must be 55 or older. (2) They must reside in the county in which they are wanting to access services. For example, we are not allowed to cross state lines to enroll someone for the program; if they reside in Moorhead, they must enroll with the Minnesota office. (3) They must meet income guidelines. Since the income varies in great degrees from person to person, it is best to discuss this requirement in person.
This is free to people who are eligible for
our program.
SA: Generally, what types of assignments are most in demand and need for seniors looking for work?
CA: The types of assignments and demands vary, but some of the most consistent sectors that we are seeing are retail, hospitality, personal care, food service and clerical. Most of these require some computer expectations or knowledge, which has been a focus of Experience Works for the past few years. We are working to get the technological training to those we serve to improve skills and employability in an aggressive job market.
SA: Is there a limit as to the number of hours a person can work at one job or as a total for all jobs?
CA: A participant in training is generally assigned to one training site and is required to fulfill the hours of training obligation, which at this time is 22 hours per week.
SA: Craig, what about veterans? Are veterans eligible for assignments with Experience Works?
CA: Yes, in fact we work with a variety of veteran service representatives in different veteran programs to assist veterans who are wanting to re-enter the workforce. In fact, we have local veteran service offices throughout the state as training facilities for those veterans who are interested in pursuing training in services offered to veterans.
SA: Are agencies, companies and other organizations that hire Experience Works employees primarily nonprofit? Are trainees paid while being trained? Are most or all of the employers involved paid minimum wage?
CA: All participants are paid at minimum wage for their training hours. This is based on federal minimum or state minimum, whichever is higher. Persons who leave the program for employment are generally paid at a higher rate of pay than minimum wage. The average starting wage is substantially higher.
SA: Craig, please give the name of the managers of the Fargo and Grand Forks Experience Works offices, as well as the location of each city’s office and their phone numbers.
CA: I am the contact person for both the Fargo and Grand Forks offices. I am stationed out of the Fargo office but travel to Grand Forks a couple of times per week. The Fargo office is located at 118 Broadway, suite 212, Fargo, ND, and the phone number is 701-232-2489.
The Grand Forks office is located in the Job Service building at 1501 28 Ave. S., Grand Forks, N.D. That office can be reached at 701-746-8149.
We also have offices in Wahpeton, Grafton and Valley City.