SILive.com: This new NYC workforce development program will help people age 55+ get a job

Paul Liotta, SILive.com

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Older New Yorkers will have the chance for help re-entering the workforce in the five boroughs after city officials announced a new workforce development program Monday.

“Silver Corps” will be available to New York City residents who are at least 55 years of age, currently unemployed or underemployed, willing to participate in skills training and specialized certification programs, and volunteer a minimum of 10 hours per week at a nonprofit or city agency.

Mayor Eric Adams said the new program will help older New Yorkers, 21% of those 65 and older who live below the poverty line, by providing them the chance to to develop new skills, continue their careers, and give back to their communities.

“Our older New Yorkers have already given us so much to be proud of, so it’s time we give them new opportunities. The volunteers for this program are excited about the new ways they are contributing their skills and knowledge to our economy, and how they now more easily live independently, and we cannot wait to sign up new participants.”

A dozen New Yorkers became the first class of ‘Silver Corps’ participants, and after participating in workshops on job readiness, financial knowledge and digital literacy, they began performing community service projects. The participants were divided into three tiers:

Tier 1: Explorer – rapid attachment to employment that may not require a credential or training.

Tier 2: Navigator – up to one year of credential attainment or occupation skills training is required.

Tier 3: Voyager – more than one year of credential attainment or occupation skills training is required.

During the volunteer portion of the training, a small stipend is provided to participants, and job placement support services are available based on a person’s tier.

New York City Department of the Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez co-announced the new program with Adams, but a spokesperson for the department didn’t say whether any of the participating non-profits, program participants, or training opportunities will be located in Staten Island.

“We know the demand is there among older New Yorkers who want to continue contributing to their communities and keep working, but too many times they are prevented because of ageist biases people have,” the commissioner said. “The Silver Corps program will allow us to help even more older residents who need the support to enter the workforce, and we are pleased to launch this program to help them find employment.”

To learn more about participating in the Silver Corps program, older New Yorkers can call Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) or email silvercorps@aging.nyc.gov.

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