Gov. Rounds Supports National Employ Older Workers Week

Press Release

Gov. Mike Rounds today announced the state's celebration of National Employ Older Workers Week Sept. 20-26.

The Governor issued a proclamation in support of workers who are past the traditional retirement age but have remained in the workforce or re-entered it.

"As our population continues to age, older workers will play an increasingly important role in maintaining our economy," Gov. Rounds stated in the proclamation. "Their contributions to the nation … are immeasurable."

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, brings employment and training opportunities to older Americans across the nation. The program currently serves about 100,000 seniors each year nationally, and 606 in South Dakota. It has helped millions of Americans find jobs in community service and the private sector.

"The Department of Labor is working hard to help older workers with their workforce and employment needs," said South Dakota Labor Secretary Pam Roberts. "This includes educating employers about all the things that older workers have to offer."

The state Department of Labor (DOL) receives the SCSEP grant and administers it through a sub-grantee program called Experience Works. Participants are offered training opportunities in various fields while they prepare to transition into full- or part-time employment in the public and private sectors.

"SCSEP and Experience Works have had a lot of successes through their partnerships with DOL," said Secretary Roberts.

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