Tech 45+ Program

The AWARE Society, a Community Employment Agency, provided a Project Based Training Program from January 2015 to July 2018. AWARE delivered an 18-week program for Computer Skills Certification, Transition Training/Coaching, and Job Search Skills for 45 and older unemployed, non-EI workers in New Westminster, Newton and Cloverdale. It included a 6-week work experience placement with employers in the community. The name of the program was Tech45. 

The goal of the project was to assist participants to become re-attached to the labour market as soon as possible by bringing up to date their computer skills, addressing barriers experienced by older workers and connecting them with employers. 

Applicants came with previous experience in various occupations. The program maximised participants re-attachment to the labour market by targeting employers where participants using both their past experience and new skills – necessarily a broad range of employers. AWARE was very successful in meeting this goal because of strong links to employers and job vacancies. Evidence for AWARE’s connection to the labour market is to be found in examples from current and recent programs. AWARE confidently  met the target of 90% re-attachment to the labour market.