As the workforce evolves and the population ages, supporting older workers in their careers has become increasingly more important. In response, the Welsh Government commissioned Wavehill to undertake a review of the Working Wales Mid-Career Reviews programme, an initiative to encourage workers aged 50 and above to proactively consider their career development, skills, health, wellbeing, financial security, and work-life balance. With an increasing number of older individuals facing challenges in the workforce, this initiative has played a crucial role in promoting long-term employability and personal growth in an aging workforce.
Key Challenges for Older Workers
The Mid-Career Reviews was first identified as a priority area in the Welsh Government’s 2022 plan for employability and skills in recognition that workers aged 50 and above often face specific challenges and distinct barriers in seeking new employment or career changes. These challenges were also highlighted in the Institute for Employment Studies (IES) recent report Commission on the Future of Employment Support: Working for the Future. Our research echoed the challenges and barriers from this report which include:
Difficulties in Finding New Work: Older workers tend to have long tenures with their employers, which can limit their experience in searching for jobs. Changing careers or occupations at this stage can also be more challenging, making it difficult to secure new employment.
Demand for Flexibility: Many older workers are looking for more flexible working arrangements, including part-time roles or jobs that allow for a phased transition into retirement. Flexibility is particularly important for those dealing with health issues or caring responsibilities.
Need for Targeted Training: With the evolving job market, older workers often require upskilling or reskilling to remain competitive. The IES report stresses the need for providing training opportunities that help older workers keep up with technological advancements and new job demands.
Inclusive Employment Practices: Promoting inclusive employment practices is essential for ensuring that all workers have equal opportunities in the labour market. Age-friendly workplaces not only allow older workers to thrive but also enable employers to benefit from their experience.
The Evolution of Mid-Career Reviews
Mid-Careers Review aimed to address both economic challenges that emerged in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as longer-term economic challenges posed by demographic changes including a slow-down in birth rates and an aging population across Wales. In recognising the value and experience that older people bring to the workforce alongside the different employment needs and support required, the Mid-Career Review sought to proactively engage with this cohort through a targeted marketing campaign.
Our research shows that embedding this distinct service into the wider Working Wales employment-support offer has made an invaluable contribution to the career review process. Although initially intended for individuals over 50, through its position within Working Wales, the service has been able to reach a wider range of people. Many have reported that they have benefited from a career review more than they initially anticipated. It has been suggested that many previously held the misconception that career guidance could only be beneficial to young or unemployed people or used as a step on the path to securing training. Yet our research shows that a tailored career review can be extremely impactful, regardless of age.
Drawing on our evidence base and insights from across Wales, the UK, and internationally on how Career Reviews have been implemented in other contexts, we were able to showcase examples of best practices for supporting (older) workers to continue their employment journey.
Wavehill's Research: A Comprehensive Approach to Supporting Job Seekers
Wavehill’s research into Mid-Career Reviews is linked to a broader evaluation of the Working Wales programme This has encompassed evaluating a range of services that provide information, advice and guidance designed to support diverse cohorts of job seekers over the age of 16 across Wales. Our evaluation also reviewed the support that the programme has provided for different groups such as migrants and refugees. Our strategic evaluation both reflected the programme's overall commitment to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their location or background, received the support they needed and considered how the service can continue to support job seekers to navigate an ever-evolving job market.
Wavehill's research of the Mid-Career Review, alongside its broader evaluations of the Working Wales programme, underscores the importance of flexibility and tailored support. As the workforce continues to shift, targeted interventions like Career Reviews are essential for helping individuals manage their careers and plan for the future.
For more information on our work in this area contact Anna Burgess.
Comments