Ageism, complex rules and entitlements, and a perception that age-appropriate job opportunities are scarce are the main barriers for older Australians trying to return to the workforce. With the current workforce skill shortages, employers will need to improve their current practices if they want to attract and retain mature aged workers.

Employers can implement simple changes –like re-designing positions, changing the way they advertise, to building in flexibility that recognises and rewards the value that mature workers bring to the workplace.

These can be game changers and provide a point of difference for employers in a competitive job market.

Boosting the Local Care Workforce (BLCW) Program, Settlement Services International (SSI) and Council of the Ageing (COTA) are co-hosting an event for the Care and Support Sector. The event is targeted at the employers in the Care and Support Sector, and mature aged individuals who are interested in returning to work or increasing their work hours.

• COTA will educate employers on how to build their capacity to engage, hire and retain mature aged workers.

• Services Australia will educate employers and mature aged people on the Work Bonus Income Bank.

• BLCW Program will provide an overview of the Care and Support Sector and the employment opportunities.

• SSI's Home Care Workforce Support Program will provide an overview of employment pathways into the Aged Care industry.

Employers will be provided the opportunity to connect with the industry experts to discuss how to build age diversity into their workforce planning to ensure they meet the needs of their customers now and into the future.

Mature aged individuals will be provided an opportunity to connect with employers and join employment and education programs that foster recruitment and training opportunities in the Care and Support Sector.

We look forward to seeing you!