Looking to re-enter the workforce after losing your job or taking a time out? Need help upgrading your skills or gaining experience in a new occupation?

The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) program is for communities affected by significant industry downsizing or closures. Priority is given to workers who have been displaced but are not receiving employment insurance benefits.

This federal/provincial program provides assessment, counselling, resumé writing, interview techniques and job finding clubs. Other services may include:

• Basic skills upgrading training allowances
• Preparation for self-employment
• Marketing to employers
• Work experience placements
• Post-project follow-up
• Mentoring

Unemployed workers between the ages of 55 and 64 qualify for this program. Some exceptions may be made if you are between 50 and 54 or are older than 65.

TIOW projects are available in communities across the province. See TIOW programs and contacts for details.

For more employment-related resources, see our Job Seekers section.

Success Story: Lana Johnson, Fitness Instructor

"I was looking for a job on the Internet at the Community Employment Services Office where I was informed of a new program called the VIEW^*. I spent 23 years as a factory furnace attendant in a bottle factory and I was very good at what I did but I didn’t think those skills could help me find the ideal job. Through the VIEW program I gained new certificates in various skills and was able to renew some I already had. These trainings played a part in obtaining my dream job. I’ve been employed for two years this June and loving every minute of it."

* The local Value in Experienced Workers (VIEW) program is one of the many programs funded through TIOW.