Gov. Daugaard supports National Employ Older Workers Week

                                    South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation

           700 Governors Drive

Pierre,SD 57501

www.sdjobs.org

           

                                                                       

For Immediate Release:  Friday, Sept. 21, 2012

Media Contact:  Dawn Dovre, 605-773-3094

 

Gov. Daugaard Supports National Employ Older Workers Week

 

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard has issued a proclamation to celebrate National Employ Older Workers Week Sept. 24-28. This week is designed to support workers past the traditional retirement age who have remained in the workforce or re-entered it.

 

“Older workers play an important role in growing our economy,” said Gov. Daugaard. “This is one group we will rely on to increase the labor force and fill job openings.”  

 

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, brings employment and training opportunities to older Americans across the nation.

 

The program currently serves about 105,000 seniors each year nationally. It has helped millions of Americans find jobs in community service and the private sector.

 

“The Department of Labor and Regulation is working hard to help older workers with their training and employment needs,” said State Labor and Regulation Secretary Pam Roberts. “This includes educating employers about the characteristics older workers have to offer, such as judgment, punctuality and commitment to quality.”

 

The state Department of Labor and Regulation receives the SCSEP grant and administers it through a sub-grantee program called Experience Works. Participants are offered training opportunities in various fields while they prepare to transition into full- or part-time employment in the public and private sectors.

 

“Our partnerships help older workers successfully enter the workforce, which is a vital part of growing the core worker population in South Dakota,” said Secretary Roberts.

 

For more information, contact SCSEP Administrator Todd Kolden at 605-626-7780, Experience Works Regional Director Jean Bennett at 605-332-7991 or visit www.sdjobs.org

 

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