Job Seekers Talk About Ageism and The Need For Re-Training, Internships [VIDEO]

The made a stop in Framingham on Friday. The  Commission has been hold regional hearings across the Commonwealth to solicit public testimony from local businesses, hiring agencies and workers to learn more about the key factors necessary to increase job creation.

Created in 2009, the Commission helps lawmakers get a handle on the state's economy and job forecast.

Sue Parsons, of Newton, said without the one-stop career centers she would be sitting at home updating her resume and worried about making that phone call. Visiting the center two to three times week, Parsons said she has enjoyed the workshops, including ones on ageism and networking.

Ellie Rose, director of the career centers said older white males are "our primary customer."

That includes Arthur Strafuss, 63, of Wayland, who told the Commission lots of people in my age group have given up.

“I can wow them with a telephone interview, but when I come into an interview and they see this face and the color of my hair, you can actually see the expression on their faces change.”

While the three older job seekers said they have faced ageism issues while looking for re-employment, Rose said lately those over age 45 are getting the jobs more than their younger counterparts.

Rose said every year her department take a budget cut, but costs continue to go up.

Senator Karen Spilka, who represents Framingham an is co-chair of the Commission said securing federal and state funding for the centers is a priortity of the Commission.

In part two of the hearing, Next Generation Children's Center President Donna Kelleher and CEO Andrei Soren were among those who testified how it is to conduct business in Massachusetts.

The public was allowed to provide testimony at the end of the three-hour hearing.