Silver Talent Skillset

The common challenge in our programme area is the underutilization of the skills, experience, and potential of the older adult population, often referred to as silvertalent, who possess a wealth of knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit but face barriers to accessing employment opportunities. Our project endeavors to make a significant impact on the current landscape by fostering an entrepreneurial culture, nurturing digital and green skills among the elderly, and improving their language abilities. By doing so, we aim to unlock their untapped potential and make them competitive in the labor market, ultimately bolstering the economic vibrancy of our region. This initiative seeks to pave the way for a more inclusive and dynamic workforce, bridging generational gaps and empowering silvertalent to contribute actively to our community. Our project envisions a profound transformation — a substantial surge in the employment rate among silvertalent in our designated region, leading to a more inclusive and vibrant economy. We aspire to witness a quantifiable upswing in the number of mature individuals initiating and thriving in entrepreneurial endeavors, armed with essential digital and green skills. This change will not only benefit our elderly population but also invigorate our local economy, creating a win-win situation for both our community and its seasoned members. Main Outputs: - Holistic Training Program: We are committed to creating and implementing an all-encompassing training program, meticulously crafted to furnish silvertalent with indispensable entrepreneurial, digital, and green skills. - Robust Mentorship Ecosystem: Our project will establish a robust mentorship network, providing participants with not only knowledge and skills but also the vital support necessary for active participation in business endeavors and to boost their competitiveness in the labor market. Furthermore, we will engage university faculty with expertise in silvertalent, fostering a unique support system that combines experience and academic insights. The primary beneficiaries of our project are silvertalents, individuals aged 50 and above. Through this initiative, they will gain invaluable knowledge, acquire vital skills, and receive the necessary support to actively participate in business ventures, enhancing their competitiveness in the labor market. The positive impact of our project will ripple through the broader community. By empowering our silvertalent, we aim to mitigate the issue of elderly unemployment and the underutilization of the skills and experiences of these individuals. As a result, the entire community will enjoy the economic contributions of these empowered silvertalents, fostering a more economically vibrant and inclusive society. Embracing a cross-border approach is paramount, as the potential of silvertalents knows no geographic confines. Through cross-border collaboration, we unlock access to a broader spectrum of expertise, resources, and markets, creating a more comprehensive and potent intervention. This approach ensures that the benefits of our project resonate beyond regional borders, fostering a profound and widespread impact. Innovation and Uniqueness: Our project distinguishes itself through its dedicated attention to the often-overlooked demographic of older adults. We harness the existing expertise within our regional universities to unearth and celebrate the strengths and aspirations of silvertalents. Our initiative is distinct in its mission to not only enhance their competitiveness in the labor market but also to directly contribute to lifelong learning objectives. This approach offers a novel and invaluable perspective on harnessing the untapped potential of a crucial segment of our society. Explanation: Silvertalent refers to individuals aged 50 and above, who constitute our primary target group. They are considered "talent" because they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, accumulated over the years. However, despite their expertise, they have not yet ventured into entrepreneurship. Our mission is to equip these individuals with the necessary skills and support, making them more appealing and competitive in the labor market. In doing so, we aim to unlock their latent potential and enable them to contribute actively to economic growth and community development. It's important to note that many of them currently lack sufficient digital and green skills, which we aim to address through this project.

By the end of this work package, the project aims to increase the digital entrepreneurship capabilities of 100 older adults (50 in Estonia and 50 in Finland), thereby facilitating their successful integration or reintegration into the labor market through self-employment or digital entrepreneurship. This objective targets older adults who are either aspiring entrepreneurs or seeking to enhance their digital skills to remain competitive in today’s economy. The change aimed for is quantifiable as an increase in the number of older adults who have developed viable business plans or initiated entrepreneurial ventures by the end of the training program. Success will be measured through participants’ ability to conceptualize and articulate clear business ideas, demonstrate proficiency in digital tools essential for business operations, and exhibit an entrepreneurial mindset.