Program helps retrain older Nebraskans for jobs

Regional News

By CHRIS DUNKER Beatrice Daily Sun

BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) -- When the economy seizes the job of an older American, Experience Works steps in to help.

The organization, formerly known as Green Thumb, helps Americans age 55 and older who have lost their jobs and are living at 125 percent of poverty level.

Experience Works provides training positions in which experienced workers can learn new skills to help get them back into the work force.

Employment and training coordinator Jack Hurley said the program has been successful.

Harold "Shorty" Anderson has been in a training experience at the Gage County Historical Society since September.

"I help get the staff ready every day," Anderson said. "I do a lot of cleaning and run a lot of errands for them between buildings."

In addition to the skills he has learned, Anderson said, he enjoys his time spent at the historical society.

Gage County Historical Society Director Lesa Arterburn said the individuals provided for training positions are hardworking.

"You learn just how important older workers are," Arterburn said. "They are very important because their work ethic is phenomenal."

The current economic downturn is reminiscent of the days when some older workers were just starting out, Arterburn said. The work ethic and drive is something that has survived the 30-plus years.

"We went through the same thing: In the '70s, you couldn't find a job," she said. "Being raised in that environment stays with you the rest of your days."

Arterburn said having Anderson around has been a big help at the historical society.

"Shorty has years of experience in a variety of things. He doesn't have to be trained, because he has already been trained. He's able to fix things," Arterburn said.

"When you've been in a job for so long and then you lose that job, it's harder to get another job," Arterburn said. "We want to show them what they're worth."

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