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The Third Age Foundation Awards Ceremony
 The
success of Third Age Foundation (TAF) Learners belies the myth that
older people cannot compete with younger workers in the job market.
On 2 September, sixty older people from West London gained recognition
for completing national IT qualifications and personal development
courses. The sixty, who attended courses at Hammersmith’s specialist
centre for those aged 40 plus, travelled to Westminster’s Central
Hall to receive certificates from CBI deputy director-general John
Cridland.
Sylvia Francis, director of Third Age Foundation, said:
"Our latest research suggest that older people still face
discrimination from employers and are falsely perceived as "over
the hill" and out of touch. As our learners are demonstrating,
even the most cutting-edge technological developments are well
within their grasp."
John Cridland said:
"The CBI fully supports Third Age Foundation’s belief
in the need for diversity in the workplace. As the population
grows older, it is vital that people in their forties, fifties
and sixties are given equal job opportunities by employers."
A former student of TAF, Richard Henchley said:
"I undertook a learning programme at TAF which helped
me regain my confidence and develop IT skills, of which I had
none – or very few. I am now back on the Law Council, a member
of the Architects Registration Board and a member of the Chartered
Accountant Audit Committee. TAF was a great help to me at a difficult
time."
77 year old Elizabeth McCourt who received her certificate on
Tuesday said she became very withdrawn when her husband died. A
leaflet pushed though the door convinced her to enrol at TAF. Since
then she has developed computer skills including the Adobe Photoshop
which she is able to use to restore old photos of herself and her
husband. ‘It’s changed my life,’ she said, ‘and I have
made so many new friends.’
 The
event also gave students an opportunity to network and meet politicians
and people in industry. This is another example of how the European
Social Fund, administered by the Government Office for London, is
helping community based initiatives to thrive.
For more information about European Funding please see the European
Structural Fund pages on this website
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