NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — The job market is tough for a lot of people right now, including older adults who lack technological and social skills that today’s workforce demands.

That’s why one local program is training seniors for tomorrow.

What You Need To Know

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 80,000 people across Tampa Bay are without a job

The Access Center provides training to senior citizens needing to get back into the workforce

The program is focused on low-income seniors without a job for at least six months

Nearly 80,000 people across Tampa Bay are without a job, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Which is why the Access Center, in New Port Richey, is exclusively teaching and preparing senior citizens for today’s jobs. 

“Being able to get back into an environment that fosters learning, is able to work around their schedule, is able to meet some of their needs as an older worker, or not being as computer literate as a younger individual, is really what’s needed,” said Chris Kito, founder and president of Access Center. 

The Pinellas and Pasco-based nonprofit helps people of all ages connect with government benefits, like Medicaid, SNAP and Social Security, and also helps people train for the workforce. 

That’s what was happening Wednesday: seniors training for the current workplace and learning about things they may not be as familiar with. 

“There’s so many more hurdles that (seniors) are facing, whether it be an internet connection, the ability to build a resume, competing with AI, using AI to better enhance their skills,” Kito said. 

The group, all 55+, is meeting to fill out their initial paperwork and, essentially, laying out their skills to see where they may be a good fit. 

The program, open only to those out of work for at least six months, provides training and a paycheck, while the seniors work to find something more stable. 

“We will take the time to really train someone and help them, show how to use a computer, show how to do basic tasks, and/or dealing with the community, and that makes them more marketable for other positions in the community or organizations,” said Kito. 

The program runs for four years, but Kito says many are placed in a job within 8-12 months. Whether it’s learning technology, polishing your resume, or figuring out how to thrive in the modern workforce, the program teaches it all. 

“I feel when we offer these programs, it’s a net positive to the community, to have lower unemployment, people that are more sustaining,” Kito said.