You should Not Write us off

Romana Mravíková was introduced to an owner of a cosy&stylish healthy food store in the city centre of Hradec Králové thanks to the OPE project. She is very content after a month in her new job. "When I learned about this opportunity, I went to check the place the same day. I knew immediately that I wanted this job. Beautiful shop with a quality assortment. I was so happy. The best part is that I can stand for what I sell 100%. I myself buy this type of goods," she points to the fragrant assortment of the shop. Romana believes that her working contract will last even after her employer stops receiving support from the project. "I would like to stay longer than just for one year. In fact, I wouldn't mind staying until my retirement," she concludes with a laugh.

The project "Stay active in your fifties in the Hradec Králové Region" represents a unique opportunity for people over 50 to find a job. The project includes further education and retraining and also provides professional advice or consultations. Moreover, it motivates potential employers - if they employ 50+ person, they will be receiving a contribution to his/her salary for one year. It’s a win-win situation.

"I would never believe that is so hard to find a job after turning fifty. I was kept in the records of the Labour Office for almost two years. I wrote to so many employers, but only two answered," says Romana about her struggle to find a job – despite being a trained women's tailor or having major working experience in an advertising agency. "Sometimes it seemed to me that I was already written off at this age," says this charming and communicative lady, shrugging her shoulders.

The project was recommended to her by its coordinator. "I surely agreed to participate. I was surprised how simple everything was. She just registered me on the computer. Then I went there for consultations for some time. It was very different from applying for a job at the Labour Office. Much more pleasant, more detailed. It seemed to me they had more time for me as well," she describes.

The project turned out to be a right choice for Romana. As well as for many other people in their fifties or older who could not find a suitable job in the Hradec Králové region - whether due to their age or insufficient qualification.

"This age group is still disadvantaged in the labour market and our project should help it. Within the project, these people can complete their qualification, which can facilitate them to get an adequate job," says project manager Martina Täubnerová from the regional Labour Office in Hradec Králové. The comprehensive program consists of counselling, education and employment of clients. "Clients are usually recommended by official from the Labour Office. Then a personal plan is made with them and their work experience is summarized - what they did, what they could do, what interests them and where they would like to get in their working life," she explains how the whole cooperation begins.

The potential employer can then connect with the client directly. If they agree on cooperation, the Labour Office can contribute to the salary of a new employee up to one year thanks to the project. "Employers are basically testing these people. That helps to eliminate many prejudices that are connected with this age group, like they tend to be sick very often, they are slow, or that it’s difficult for them to learn new things. Thanks to the salary contribution, employers do not risk anything. In most cases, they will eventually find that such cooperation is mutually beneficial. Many of our clients keep their job even after the end of the subsidy. Of course, there are exceptions. Some quit after a year and either return to the Labour Office or find another job. Anyway, this experience will move them forward, they will lose their shyness, they will gain new self-confidence and practice. All this will increase the persons price in the labour market,“ Martina Täubnerová lists the benefits.