Local nonprofit assists mature workers in next stage of life

Career Transition Center (CTC) is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those seeking new career help. CTC teaches classes at libraries around Cleveland, including year-round classes at Westlake Porter Public Library. Beginning in November, CTC will launch its newest program, “The 2nd Stage Institute,” classes which will be held in Rocky River, in addition to CTC’s basic classes and job clubs.

It is a series of reasonably priced specialized classes and group coaching for mature workers in the managerial, professional, technical and upper-level administrative fields to assist them in moving into their next stage of life. Students will learn specific techniques that will help them handle the transition.

To learn more, attend a free kick-off event on Monday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m., at Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Rd. It is open to all mature residents looking for a new venture or direction in their life. You do not have to be unemployed to attend.

Retirement planning workshops used to be conducted in most businesses for their employees during the last years before retirement, but that is not the case now. CTC believes that not all retirees now want to move to Florida and that Northeast Ohio is a great place to retire.

The workshops that will be offered as part of 2nd Stage do not cover the financial aspects that financial planners do, but are designed to help begin new/ second careers, volunteer paths or entrepreneurial endeavors which will take students well into retirement and beyond. Many people of this age need to work, some want to work or volunteer and some just get bored – and yet do not know how to change their situation.

Students will meet and learn from a professional career manager, life transformation coach, or organization development/behavioral specialist to discuss career goals, experiences, barriers, life problems, personal growth and job search needs. Some assessments will be given to assist in determining direction. But all will finish the series of five main courses and five of seven elective courses with a better understanding of their direction for the rest of their life. 

Contact cynthia.wilt@careertc.org for further information.