Joe’s Empowering Others Through A4TD and GetSetUp’s Workforce Skills

Joe’s Empowering Others Through A4TD and GetSetUp’s Workforce Skills
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Joe, a Vermont resident, first discovered GetSetUp through A4TD, a program designed to help older adults develop job skills and transition into new careers. While initially joining as a participant, he quickly found himself interviewing and taking on a mentorship trainee role, guiding others through their learning journeys.

“I never thought of myself as a teacher, but that’s what I’ve become,” Joe shared. “At first, I was just helping people with technology, but then I realized how much I was learning. It’s full immersion—you’re dealing with people who are technophobes for a variety of reasons, and I tell them, ‘I’m a participant just like you—I just happen to be mentoring.’”

Mastering Technology and Workforce Readiness

Through A4TD and GetSetUp, Joe has expanded his knowledge in Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Office, and more.

“I use Google Meet all the time, but when I get on Zoom, I play around—it’s fun to explore the features,” he said.

As someone who enjoys lifelong learning, Joe is always looking for new resources. 

“I check out GetSetUp regularly and I love finding new articles and on-demand classes,” he said. “It’s a great resource, especially for older adults looking to gain confidence in technology and job skills.”

He often recommends job-focused classes to participants, emphasizing resume writing, interview preparation, and self-confidence building. 

“For seniors, it’s important to feel prepared and comfortable re-entering the workforce, and GetSetUp offers that.”

Making Learning Accessible for Everyone

Joe recognizes that people learn in different ways, and he appreciates how GetSetUp provides multiple formats for learning. 

“Some people love taking live classes, but for me, I like having the option to watch replays,” he explained. “I’m never sure if I’m in the mood for a [live] class, and I don’t like canceling, so having on-demand content is perfect.”

He also values muscle memory in learning and encourages job seekers to use online learning as a preparation for an interview. 

“Even small things, like learning keyboard shortcuts or understanding email management, can make a huge difference in workplace confidence,” he said.

Encouraging Others to Explore GetSetUp

Joe frequently shares GetSetUp resources with A4TD participants, ensuring they take full advantage of the program. 

“I send out links to accepted courses and encourage people to study and bill their learning hours,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity, and I remind people that investing in their learning will benefit them in the long run.”

One of his biggest recommendations? Microsoft Office classes. 

“Many businesses still run on Microsoft, and programs like Outlook, Excel, and Word are essential,” he explained. “Email, especially, is the most-used tool in business, and understanding how to manage multiple email accounts is crucial.”

Building Confidence in the Workplace

For Joe, GetSetUp isn’t just about learning—it’s about building confidence. 

“I work with people who struggle join a meeting, and I see how much they appreciate GetSetUp once they start using it,” he said. “The fellowship and camaraderie that comes from learning together is powerful, and I’ve seen people go from hesitant to fully engaged and excited to take more classes.”

As he continues his learning journey, Joe remains committed to helping others succeed. 

“I think GetSetUp is a fantastic resource, and I share it with everyone I work with,” he said. “It’s up to them to utilize it in the best way—but for those who do, it can make a real difference in finding jobs, growing skills, and gaining confidence.”

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