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Adult learning in socially responsible restructuring 79

a wealth of employment experience, older workers might lack the vocational
qualifications and practical skills that the labour market requires, making
them more likely to be displaced by structural changes in the economy. In
some sectors, the skills and knowledge of older workers are an asset, and
some companies are looking at ways to retain them, while in others their
competences are becoming obsolete and the challenge for older workers
is either to acquire a new set of skills or to change job or sector. Not having
the confidence for a new professional start that will imply having to learn
new skills, older workers will have no option than claiming benefits, or taking
part-time or lower paid jobs. In the case of older workers made redundant
through company restructuring, it is important to engage with enterprises
to address some of the stereotypes of older workers’ ability to gain new
skills. Guidance and training offers that are tailored to their specific needs
and consider their former working experience, for example, through the
validation and recognition of learning, are also needed.