The Effect of Workforce Development Program Participation on Older Workers Aged 50 or Older in Georgia

Historically, government workforce development programs have focused on younger individuals. The effectiveness of these programs for older workers aged 50 or older remains unclear. Therefore, this study examined the effect of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs in the state of Georgia on older workers. This study used WIOA performance data, including a total of 11,390 older workers between 2016 and 2020, and the American Community Survey (ACS) data. Descriptive analyses of two datasets examined participant demographics, training information, program participation outcomes, and older labor force characteristics in the state. WIOA programs were successful in serving two disadvantaged groups in employment, including older females and older Black participants. Despite a decrease in the number of older training participants over time, the most chosen training programs aligned with data on common occupations of the older workforce in the state. These programs improved the employability of older female participants but not for other disadvantaged older workers who were older in age or non-White individuals. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of addressing structural barriers to employment for older workers in employment transition, along with the improvement of the government workforce development programs.