A new employment program for people over 50 is drawing significant attention.
The day after its launch on Monday, Third Quarter employment program had just under 400 people registered for its services, which pairs applicants’ skills with employers who seek their talent.
“The website is so busy … it was lost to some for a while,” said Jim Tighe, community co-ordinator for the Victoria branch of the program. “It’s been busy.”
The free service is funded by the federal Office of Literacy and Essential Skills, and is managed locally by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.
Third Quarter targets people in the third quarter of their lives, especially those in or near retirement. In can connect people to jobs or volunteer opportunities that fit their requirements for flexibility and hope to tap into the knowledge of people with many years of work under their belts.
For employers, Tighe said, “We think that we will face another day when there is a skills shortage. The Baby Boomers are moving out and that leaves voids.
We have great talent here to draw on.”
As of Tuesday, 13 employers were signed on. Staff at Third Quarter will continue to recruit new businesses to get involved, Tighe said.
To register as an applicant or as an employer, please go to thirdquarter.ca.