Immigrant older workers and their experiences on employment and job training program: Exploratory study

Abstract

This study examined the experiences of older Asian workers in job training program and the meaning of work in their lives. The data was gathered through the use of mixed methods. The quantitative component of the study used a survey research method to assess the relationship between contributing factors and the degree of program satisfaction and between program satisfaction and self-esteem. While a quantitative analysis was used as the primary method, a qualitative analysis with a focus group research method was used as a supplement to explore the meaning of participation in the program to trainees' lives and their experiences. The subjects in this study were participants from Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which is federally funded job training program for people who are 55 years old and above. The major findings of this study identified that factors directly related to job training, such as training conditions and perceptions about employment, have more impact on program satisfaction than participants' demographic characteristics. The degree of program satisfaction among participants is not related to the degree of self-esteem. However, the findings from qualitative research provided the supplementary information about how and why participants are satisfied with the program, how their self-esteem has formed through SCSEP, and the meaning of work among older Asian workers. Implications for social workers and policymakers and future research are discussed.