Today AARP launched the AARP Skills Builder for Work^SM, a new platform to help older workers gain in-demand skills to give them an edge in today's competitive job market. According to AARP research, two-thirds of older workers are interested in additional job/skills training and the same amount have taken some type of training in the past two years.

"Unemployment is tough to navigate at any age. For many older workers who need or want to work the opportunity to learn new skills to help them remain relevant in the workforce could be the boost they need," said Susan Weinstock, AARP Vice President of Financial Resilience Programming. "As many older workers look for a new job, we want to make sure they have the skills, information, and resources to stay competitive in today's job market."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics August jobs report found that nearly half (49.3%) of workers ages 55+ were long-term unemployed compared with 34.7% of jobseekers ages 16 to 54. Further, a new AARP survey of midcareer and older women workers released today found nearly 7 in 10 women who were unemployed since September of last year have been out of work for six months or more. About 1 in 5 (21%) of those who are working are working fewer hours than they would like and a quarter have seen their financial situation worsen over the course of the pandemic. 

AARP Skills Builder for Work^SM was created in collaboration with MindEdge Learning, which provides online learning solutions to higher education, associations, and corporations. To learn more about the AARP Skills Builder for Work^SM, visit www.aarp.org/workskills.

AARP Skills Builder for Work^SM Features: 

• Self-paced online learning with courses that may help you grow your career at a speed that fits your schedule.

• Free class options include training in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as "Mastering Today's Remote Work" and "Personal Creativity for a Lifetime."

• Earn certificates to let prospective employers know that you are a lifelong learner with the skills needed to succeed.

• Learn marketable skills that are in-demand by employers to help you to stay competitive in today's job market and beyond.

• Other skill building classes in areas such as Digital Marketing, Communications and Project Management, are available for a fee. Discounts are available for all AARP.org users and AARP members get even deeper discounts.

AARP helps 50+ workers thrive in the job market by providing tools, information and tips for older workers and resources for those facing age discrimination This support includes AARP's Online Career Expo on September 30, 2021, the AARP Job Board, AARP Resume Advisor and the AARP Employer Pledge. Additional resources and information are available www.aarp.org/work.