Wise Age Ltd, the leading specialist charity for individuals aged 50 and above in employment, is proud to announce that it has been funded by the Department for Work and Pensions to provide an innovative training course in Smethwick. This course is designed for people aged 50 and over who need to improve their digital skills in order to get back into work. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the organisation’s mission to eliminate age discrimination and support older adults in their employment journey.
Recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) data reveals that north and western Smethwick, located on the outskirts of Birmingham, faces significant employment challenges. An alarming 56.3 per cent of adults in this industrial town report never having worked, representing the highest rate in the Black Country region and one of the highest in the West Midlands, where figures range from 7.9 per cent to 67.1 per cent.
New Intensive Digital Skills and Employment Programme
The charity is launching a comprehensive programme in Smethwick, designed to empower job seekers aged 50 and above. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, enhance employability, and provide long-term support for participants.
Key features of the programme include:
- A 6-day intensive course focusing on digital skills development
- Up to 13 weeks of additional support, including interview preparation and mock interviews
- Personalised one-to-one assessments to create tailored action plans
- Group and individual sessions on essential digital and job-seeking skills
- Practical training in job searching, CV writing, and online job applications
- Guidance on managing Universal Credit accounts online
Programme Structure and Outcomes
The programme will support 10 clients through:
- Initial action plans for all participants
- Completion of training goals with final reviews and updated action plans
- A target of at least 2 job outcomes
- 10-13 weeks of remote support post-course, focusing on interview skills and job retention
Chris Walsh, Chief Executive Officer of Wise Age Charity, stated, “Our expansion to Smethwick allows us to bring our proven expertise to the area, helping older job seekers overcome digital barriers and increase their confidence in using technology for employment purposes. Our track record in London gives us confidence in achieving similar success here.”
Comprehensive Support Approach
Wise Age’s approach includes:
- Intensive one-to-one face-to-face sessions with advisors and job matchers
- Online, email, and phone support
- Access to specialist resources, including the Seniors Employment Guide and Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Job
- Introduction to Wise Age’s 50+ employment website (www.wiseage.org.uk)
- Practical support for self-employment and business start-ups
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to achieve:
- 100% completion rates
- Improved digital literacy and job-seeking skills
- Increased confidence in using digital tools for employment
- Enhanced self-esteem and recognition of the value of age and experience
- Access to employment, training, and volunteering opportunities
This initiative aligns with Wise Age’s commitment to promoting age diversity in the workplace and supporting older adults in their career journeys. Our best practices are informed by extensive research and collaborations with employers, public and voluntary partners, and networks such as Age Platform Europe.
For more information about Wise Age and its services, visit www.wiseage.org.uk or contact peter.murphy@wiseage.org.uk.