The grant money is going to Coastal Counties Workforce - a non-profit based in Brunswick, whose Seasoned Worker Opportunity Project, will connect older workers in the state to occupations critical to Maine’s economy, including healthcare, energy and green construction. The project also plans to educate employers about the value of older workers.
Mike Bourret is executive director of Coastal Counties Workforce. "There is sort of a stereotype about older workers and it's a lot time not correct in terms of what value they offer the employer. A lot of times their maturity is just what employers are seeking."
Bourret says Maine has the highest percentage of workers over 55 in the workforce. Coastal Counties Workforce is one of ten such organizations across the country each receiving million dollar grants.