Mature Worker Services

Workforce 55+

WorkForce 55+ is a federally-funded program committed to empowering economically disadvantaged seniors to achieve economic independence and control of their futures.

The aim of Workforce 55+ is to help mature workers return to the workforce through an "earn while you learn" program. The program partners with community-based, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to provide participants with training to update their skills. Program participants receive counseling, assessments, and training to obtain employment.

Do I qualify?

• Are you 55 years of age or older?
• Are you seeking employment training?
• Are you currently unemployed?
• Are you living on a limited income?

What documents will I need to participate in Workforce 55+?

• Photo ID
• Social Security card
• Birth certificate
• Proof of income
  • Social Security award letter
  • Zero income letter
  • Prior year tax return

Who can I contact to learn more about Workforce 55+?

Location	Coordinator	Phone	Fax
Atlantic County One-Stop Career Center	Gerald Davis	609-813-3919	609-813-3930
Camden County One-Stop Career Center	Gerald Davis	856-614-2171	856-614-3156
Cape May County One-Stop Career Center	Gerald Davis	609-729-0997	609-729-8455
Cumberland County One-Stop Career Center	Gerald Davis	856-238-6742	856-238-6810
Essex County One-Stop Career Center - East Orange	Sharon Sowell	973-395-3247	973-266-0891
Gloucester County One-Stop Career Center	Gerald Davis	856-853-3989	856-384-3761
Hudson County One-Stop Career Center - Jersey City	Geneva Bentley-Lewis	201-217-7322 201-217-7007	201-217-4625
Middlesex County One-Stop Career Center - New Brunswick	Patricia Foster	732-937-5237	732-418-3345
Monmouth County One-Stop Career Center - Neptune	Patricia Foster	732-775-1402	732-775-6125
Sussex County One-Stop Career Center	Sharon Sowell	973-383-2775	973-383-8350
Union County One-Stop Career Center - Plainfield	Patricia Foster	908-412-7969	908-412-7751

New Start Career Network

The goal to the New Start Career Network (NSCN) is to provide older (age 45+), long-term unemployed New Jersey jobseekers with access to personalized career services, including web-based information resources and in-person and virtual career coaching.

Three-quarters of New Jersey's long-term unemployed have been out of work for over a year, and about half of them are over the age of 45. The New Start Career Network is designed to help fill this gap. Operated by the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, the NSCN's resources include:

• Information and advice about the labor market, careers, and education and training options.
• Tutorials on making wise choices and improving job search skills.
• Coaching through peer-support networks and job clubs.
• Incentives that encourage employers to provide trial employment opportunities and on-the-job training.
• Employer engagement and commitments from employers to reform hiring practices.
• Access and refferrals to a broad range of services, including education, training, mental health counseling, and financial advising.

  Visit the New Start Career Network

Tips for mature workers

Exploring a new career or searching for a job can be challenging for some mature workers. This section will provide some useful tips to help mature workers stay competitive in the job market, including resume writing, basic computer tutorials, help with job search, employers seeking mature workers, and understanding age discrimination.

See our tips for mature workers