In our Learner Talk series, we interview graduates of our IEP Learning programs from across the globe about their learning experience, how it feeds into their work as Employability Professionals – and more.
This week we are delighted to share the story Rosa Marley AIEP, an Employment Advisor at Fedcap in Reading, who completed the IEP Over 50s Employability Support Accredited Learning, in association with Centre for Ageing Better.
What motivated you to enrol in the IEP Over 50s program?
As I was entering a new role as an employment advisor, I knew that over 50s can face very different barriers than other people needing employability support. As this wasn’t within my lived experience or my work experience so far, I wanted to gain a good understanding of how best to support my customers who are over 50.
Can you share some of examples of how the skills you’ve gained from the program have been valuable in your work?
I’ve found the biggest barrier I want to help my customers, who are 50, face first, is their mindset. I ensure we focus on their strengths, skills and experience and help them to see they can bring a lot to a role and can definitely still compete in the job market today. Sometimes, they don’t feel confident in how to search for or apply for jobs. Once they’ve had some advice and guidance, they begin to feel far more at ease with the current recruitment process. I go at the customer’s pace and tailor the level and intensity of support to them.
Has your journey on the program helped you learn things about yourself? If so, how?
If I’m honest, I had some unconscious bias around over 50s and this program really helped me to challenge this. Now, every time I work with a customer who is over 50, I feel equipped to help them overcome their barriers and push their self-imposed limits to what they can achieve.
What other IEP Learning have you undertaken/are currently undertaking? How has your experience been?
I have also completed the Employability Essentials program which ensured I was as ready as possible to provide high quality employability support.
What would you say to someone considering enrolling in the IEP Over 50s Program to encourage them to do so?
Working in employability, it is important to be able to support all our customers to achieve their potential. By having specialised training in supporting over 50s, you will be able to offer bespoke advice, guidance and support to a large number of your customers. Within our customer base here at Fedcap Reading, 36% of customers are 50 or over. This highlights how important it is to be as equipped as possible to support them and the IEP Over 50s program is very comprehensive and provides practical advice, strategies and signposts.
