Industrial and Commercial Training

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how organizations might support older workers' learning.

Design/methodology/approach – The paper highlights an incoming HR challenge (training older workers), conducts a review of corporate responses in Europe, and then identifies lessons. Examples are drawn from the case study database of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions.

Findings – The paper identifies four lessons. The first is to adopt a targeted approach, which involves both identifying older employees with key abilities and tailoring training products to their needs. The second lesson is to develop training initiatives that update job-related skills and knowledge. The third is to complement skills update products with programs that expand the knowledge horizon of older employees. The fourth lesson is to integrate training into recruitment initiatives that target experienced job-seekers.

Originality/value – Many organisations are developing initiatives to tap into the older worker talent pool. Training is a critical component of strategies that seek to retain or attract experienced professionals. The paper provides practical advice that will help organizations to design and implement learning programs for older workers.