AARP program offers experienced employees at no cost

The AARP office in Merced is offering a program that matches experienced employees with companies looking to hire at no cost to the employer.

The AARP Foundation’s Senior Community Service Employment Program partners with local businesses to provide “on-the-job experience” for its participants. They are assigned to work 18 to 25 hours per week at the company with the foundation covering the costs of wages and worker’s compensation.

Participants can work in all industries including clerical, retail, janitorial, food service, customer service and general labor.

The participants are in a temporary employment and training program, AARP officials said, and looking for permanent jobs.

“In turn, we ask that you provide our participants with valuable work experience, a current reference for their job search efforts and consider them for hire should an opening occur,” said Ianthia Guy, an employment specialist with AARP, in a press release. “All of our participants are seeking permanent employment outside of our program.”

The program is not limited to businesses. Participants can be placed in temporary assignments with nonprofit community organizations as well.

AARP began operating the employment program in 1969, serving six project sites and 313 people. Today, the foundation has nearly 100 project sites in 28 states and about 10,000 participants enrolled.

To learn more about the program in Merced or to sign up, contact the local AARP office at (209) 723-1747.

This story was originally published March 10, 2015 at 5:38 PM with the headline "AARP program offers experienced employees at no cost."