WorkForce 55 program celebrates graduation

The Christie Administration and the New Jersey Community College Consortium hosted a graduation ceremony Monday at Hudson County College for one of 10 classes of workers who completed the WorkForce 55 program.“The program is designed to offer older workers who are financially disadvantaged an opportunity for paid, on-the-job training and a chance at developing work experience that will lead to unsubsidized employment and sustainable jobs,” state Labor Commissioner Harold J. Wirths said in a news release. “In this case, we have additionally given them skills we know will help in securing a job.”

Topics covered in the program include financial literacy and basic computer skills such as using the Internet and email, as well as utilizing social media as a job search resource.

WorkForce 55 is a statewide program that was designed through a combined effort of the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the NJCCC. It utilizes federal funds authorized under Title V of the Older Americans Act, which offers jobs and training for economically disadvantaged people who are 55 years of age and older.

The funds, provided specifically by a Senior Community Service Program grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, were used to train approximately 250 candidates from 13 counties at 10 community colleges.

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