Join AARP today. Get instant access to discounts, programs, services and the information you need to benefit every area of your life.
Work & Jobs
Work & Jobs
Getty Images
Whether it was to improve job opportunities or personal skills, many people age 50 and older took online courses and other training programs over the past two years, according to a survey from AARP Research.
One way older workers can stay competitive in the job market is to add new skills. And based on AARP Research’s survey, many of them are interested in receiving courses and training. The survey asked 2,163 people 50-plus questions about job training earlier this year. During the past two years — a time when many people were looking for ways to make the most of pandemic quarantines and restrictions — 32 percent of respondents took job-related skills training or courses. And even more said they were interested in such opportunities to build skills. Fifty-seven percent of respondents said they would learn new skills if an employer asked them to.
Join today and save 25% off the standard annual rate. Get instant access to discounts, programs, services, and the information you need to benefit every area of your life.
“As we continue on our path toward a skills-based workforce, acquiring or refreshing the in-demand skills that recruiters are after is especially important for older workers,” says Karina Hertz, director of strategic communications for AARP Work & Jobs. “It not only demonstrates to prospective employers that these workers are up-to-date in their respective fields, but it also helps combat the outdated misconception that workers close to traditional retirement age are less invested in continuous learning.”
In many cases, training programs and other learning opportunities are provided through employers. But the survey suggests that some people age 50 and older are taking the initiative to learn on their own.
The most popular type of skills-building opportunities for adults 50-plus was computer or technology training, taken by 12 percent of those surveyed. Another 47 percent said they would be interested in taking courses in these fields in the next year.
Many of the people surveyed already appear to be quite comfortable using internet technology, as suggested by the number of people who said they took courses through online learning platforms such as LinkedIn, Coursera and other websites — many of which offer free or low-cost courses.
Looking to take courses? Try AARP Skills Builder for Work
Among the most popular subjects older adults studied on these online learning platforms were:
Among those surveyed, 34 percent said they participated in the training or courses because they were interested in learning new skills. Twelve percent said they took the classes because they wanted to stay competitive in the workforce, 11 percent said their employer required the courses, and 10 percent said the training was required for a certification or license.
Kenneth Terrell covers employment, age discrimination, work and jobs, careers, and the federal government for AARP. He previously worked for the Education Writers Association and U.S. News & World Report, where he reported on government and politics, business, education, science and technology, and lifestyle news.
Featured AARP Member Benefits
See All >
Norton™ 360 Protection
Members save up to 25% on device protection plans
AARP Job Board
Job search tool for workers 50+
AARP Skills Builder for Work℠
Gain in-demand skills to give you an edge in today’s job market
Start a Business
Help from experts & resources to get started
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age.
You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits.
You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits.
You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits.
You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits.
You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits.
Your email address is now confirmed.
You’ll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP’s mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age.
You can also manage your communication preferences by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in.
In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at www.aarp.org/volunteer
Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.
