A.B.L.E. Facts
Mission Founded in 1982 by Ezra Merrill, the mission of Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston, Inc. is to provide employment and training opportunities to mature workers 45 and older from economically, racially and occupationally diverse backgrounds. Over its 28-year history, A.B.L.E. has helped well over 28,000 job seekers get back to work, through a variety of resources, including:
Employment Services A full-service job listing room containing current job opportunities is available to job seekers age 45 or older. Coaching and counseling are available to job seekers, as well as weekly Job Clubs and Support Groups. Candidates can determine their Microsoft Office skill levels through on-line testing using A.B.L.E.’s QWIZ testing software. Computers are also available for resume revision, Internet research and applying for jobs.
Computer Skills Training Computer tutoring is available for candidates needing to refresh their skills or quickly learn a new software package. For job seekers who have little or no computer skills, Operation A.B.L.E. offers long-term computer training programs that provide the foundation needed to be competitive in today’s job market.
Opportunities for the Economically Disadvantaged Operation A.B.L.E. runs the federally-funded Senior Community Service Employment Program, which recruits economically-disadvantaged job seekers aged 55 and older, places them in non-profit and government agencies where they receive paid, on-the-job training, and helps them find unsubsidized placement. A.B.L.E.’s Operation Service is six-week training course for job seekers aged 45 and older that develops proficiency in the computer, customer interaction, and job search skills required need to land a meaningful position in an office environment.
Special Mature Worker Events A.B.L.E. runs special events each year to help facilitate the match between employers and mature job seekers. Our Mature Worker Career Fairs are unique events in which job seekers age 45 and older can meet directly with employers open to the idea of hiring older workers. During Older Worker Week in the Fall, Operation A.B.L.E. hosts its annual Celebrate Experience Breakfast in which companies are invited to nominate outstanding mature workers to be honored at A.B.L.E.’s special awards breakfast.
Resource for Employers Operation A.B.L.E. functions as a resource for viable candidates for Greater Boston employers. They can use our Web-based job listing service, try out new candidates on the A.B.L.E. Temps payroll, or fill vacancies at one of our popular and highly successful career fairs. In addition, A.B.L.E. provides group or individual outplacement services to downsized employees and can customize workshops to meet employers’ training needs. A.B.L.E. also consults with employers about how to recruit, train and retain mature workers.
