New Expo to Help ACT Seniors Plan Their Encore Career

Older Australians who plan for an encore career are less likely to wind up jobless, according to a recent report by National Seniors Australia, but a majority of seniors don't believe career planning is relevant to them.

IRT Foundation hopes to change that view by collaborating with the ACT Government and Australian Human Rights Commission to hold their first Career Check Up Expo in Canberra on 29 June 2016.

"The Foundation has been working with the Australian Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan to increase mature workforce participation since 2014, but last month's National Seniors Australia report is a real eye-opener," said IRT Group Chief Executive, Nieves Murray.

"Together with Susan Ryan, we've been doing a lot to identify and address barriers for mature age workers, but what the The Change is inevitable, so plan for it report shows is that we also need to help older Australians understand the importance of planning for an encore career.

"That's why we're delighted the ACT Government has come on board to help us deliver our first Career Check Up Expo in Canberra," said Ms Murray.

The ACT Minister for Veterans and Seniors, Dr Chris Bourke MLA, said that increasing mature workforce participation in the Territory is important, not just for seniors but for the broader community as well.

"If people want to work into their 50s and 60s it's very beneficial for their overall wellbeing, but it also has a positive impact on the Territory's economy," Dr Bourke said.

"With the number of Australians over the age of 65 growing and the percentage of people of working age decreasing, mature age workers are vital to our economic productivity.

"They also bring a wealth of life experience into ACT workplaces, which we know is highly valued by employers."

Australian Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan says the key to success is helping older Australians transition into jobs that fit their needs, be that full time work in a different sector, working parttime or negotiating more flexibility with their employer.

"The Career Check Up Expo aims to do this by providing over 50s with a one-stop-shop for career planning, education and training, financial planning and job seeking services," she said.

"The Australian Human Rights Commission is a proud supporter of this initiative, which will bring mature age employees together with employers like the ACT Government, and specialist planning services."

IRT Foundation will today sign a Statement of Intent with the Commission and ACT Government to formalise a three-way agreement to deliver the Expo on 29 June.

Click here to find out more about IRT Group's retirement villages.