A latent class analysis of older workers' skill proficiency and skill utilization in South Korea

Accelerated aging trend has become a serious issue in meeting workforce demand in many developing and developed countries. Various workplace interventions have been sought to address this issue. The purpose of this study is to examine the extent that there is a typology of older workers whose skill proficiency and skill utilization are influenced by their perceived degree of readiness to learn and informal learning, and participation in non-formal learning in South Korea. Using the PIAAC data, this study conducted Latent Class Analysis to identify the types of older workers who achieved significantly different levels of basic skill proficiencies and skill utilization in organizational settings. From the data analysis, three types of older workers are identified: The Dormant Workers with Low Skills, The Educated Workers in the Public Sector, and The Educated Workers in Flexible Working Conditions. From the findings, practical and research implications are discussed.