How to ‘unretire’ and use your knowledge and skills to help train younger staff
MOST firms measure their “return on investments”, known as ROI, but does your company measure “return on experience?”
ROE is a new phrase coined to explain the value added by older workers, by sharing their skills and helping train younger staff.
With the axing of winter fuel payments and the pension age rising to 67 from 2026, more pensioners are having to go back to work to top up their incomes.
But this “unretirement” has also led to mature staff offering their advice and wisdom to millennial and Gen Z employees.
The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics show the number of over-65s in employment has almost tripled since 2000, with 1.4million — equivalent to one in nine older people — now working. Just like Bob Lawrence, 72 at B&Q.
As a result, increasing numbers of firms are now actively seeking to build “inter-generational workforces” to capitalise on ROE, with hotel chain Hilton recently launching a recruitment drive to target over-50s.
READ MORE ON EMPLOYMENT
Lyndsey Simpson, founder of 55/Redefined said: “Many people lack purpose in retirement and are keen to be productive, work and learn new skills. This is driving a huge wave of older adults coming back to their previous profession on a more flexible or part-time basis, or applying for roles to do something completely new.”
Many older workers are still seeking to expand their skillset, either taking on a new second career in a different industry or doing an apprenticeship, most of which are open to any age.
Firms including B&Q, Govia Thameslink and British Gas have all hired apprentices in their 60s and 70s.
While workers aged 65 and above mostly work part-time, a growing number are going full-time employment beyond the state pension age.
Most read in Money
Dr Karen Hancock of the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “Workers with up to 50 years of workplace experience have an incredible wealth of knowledge to share.” Find out more at and .
'YOUR NEW CAREER IS WAITING'
BOB LAWRENCE started work at B&Q to boost his pension and liked it so much he enrolled on the firm’s apprenticeship scheme.
He graduated this month, aged 72.
Bob, who works at B&Q Buxton, Derbys, as a showroom customer adviser, said: “Some people think learning stops as you get older, but we all have something to bring.
“In my previous career I was a manager in construction plant services. I’m a DIY addict and have over 45 years of business management experience – but the retail industry was alien to me.
“I had skills I could apply but wanted to embark on the Level 2 apprenticeship to feel more confident in my second career.
“Don’t let age stop you. Grab apprentice-ships as they can provide you with reliable income while you learn and develop your career, or like myself move forward with a second one.
“Believe in yourself. You can do it if you pursue it.”
IMPRESS A.I. WITH YOUR CV
MOST firms now use AI to screen job applicants, so how can you stand out?
Aarti Uplenchwar, at software firm Workday, knows. She says: “Your CV is still the most important tool.”
Here are her CV tips . . .
- Tailor it to the job: This may be time-consuming but is essential.
- More is not always better: Consider what experience you do and do not include, and which skills and certifications. Address what the employer wants, as they may use AI to look for specific skills.
- Make your skills shine: Organisations are shifting from a focus on job experience to looking at skills, so put these at the top of your CV. Create a section below your profile, then also highlight what skills you gained in your experience section – maybe problem-solving or creativity. The employer may have used AI to find the skills they need.
- Be specific about achievements: Keep them brief but detailed enough to showcase the problem you solved and how. You could say how much you increased revenue, or cut costs.
- Show personality: Hobbies and interests are key here. Sport, for example, suggests you may be good at teamwork, as well as healthy.
- Make your CV easy to read: Ensure it is clearly laid out. Whether a human will be looking over it, or AI, it must be easy to scan.
Jobspot
SOCIAL mobility programme Brixton Finishing School, which helps people into marketing, advertising and communication jobs, needs volunteers for its ADventure scheme. Check out
KNOW YOUR HEART
ONE patient every five minutes is hospitalised with a heart attack – and employer support is vital to recovery.
This Sunday is World Heart Day and Travelodge manager Mark Wenlock has told how the hotel chain helped him after a recent triple heart bypass op.
He said: “I was itching to get back to work but they wouldn’t hear of me returning early. My manager visited me in hospital and the team got someone in to cover my role. They were world-class.”
Now he is campaigning to raise awareness. He said: “If any-thing feels out of the ordinary around the chest, get checked.”
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Travelodge staff have raised over £970,000 for the British Heart Foundation, and rolled out the charity’s CPR training tool RevivR.
See
OH, STORE BLIMEY
WANT to work in the world’s coolest new shop?
Future Stores opens next month on London’s Oxford Street.
Featuring LED-covered walls and ceilings, and data scanners to work out customer preferences, it will host an ever-changing mix of brands – giving staff the chance to upskill across different retail sectors.
Founder Ariel Haroush said: “We looked around the globe to find the location for our first store. With rich heritage, Oxford Street and London were top of the list. We are delighted to create 40 jobs and look forward to changing the face of retail through a concept that asks why the high street can’t be as dynamic as your Instagram – ever-changing and engaging.”
See [email protected].