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Join IRT at Illawarra's first Career Check Up Expo for Mature Workers

on the Friday, January 20, 2017

IRT Group's IRT Foundation will hold the Illawarra's first Career Check Up Expo for Mature Workers at Wollongong Town Hall on 15 February 2017 thanks to a Liveable Communities Grant from NSW Department of Family and Community Services.

The Expo couldn't come at a better time, as Wollongong's population continues to age. The city has a higher proportion of over 50s than the national average (+2% to 35%), and this cohort is growing five times faster than the 20-50 age group.

The 2011 census found that the unemployment rate for people over the age of 55 is around 10%, compared with 7% for the total Wollongong population.

"If we don't enable the Illawarra's over 50s to work for longer, the region simply won't have enough people working to continue to grow the economy, said IRT Foundation Manager, Toby Dawson.

"Their wellbeing will also suffer, as research clearly shows that flexible and fulfilling work can enhance our quality of life as we age."

According to a 2016 report by National Seniors Australia, people over 50 who fail to plan for an encore career are more likely to end up jobless. Despite this, the majority of older Australians don't believe career planning is relevant to them.

"This is where IRT Foundation's Career Check Up Expo for Mature Workers can help," said Mr Dawson.

"The Expo will be a one-stop-shop for people aged over 45 looking for advice on career planning, education and training, financial planning and job seeking services. So there'll be a wealth of knowledge and information about planning an encore career all in one place."

The Foundation's first Expo was held in Canberra in June last year, where more than 200 seniors flocked to gather knowledge and information about planning their encore careers.

This time, around 400 people are expected to attend the Illawarra Expo to explore their options for continuing to work, study and contribute into their 60s and 70s.

Attendance for mature workers is FREE and registrations are now open.

IRT Foundation is also looking for age-friendly employers, training organisations, employment agencies, financial planners and coaching services to connect with mature workers by participating as an exhibitor.

Registrations for exhibitors close on 31 January. Click here for more information.

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

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