ARLINGTON, Va. – Experience Works, the country’s largest provider of mature-worker training and employment, is searching for Maine’s outstanding older worker.

For the seventh year, older workers from every state, America’s Oldest Worker; and employers of older workers, will be honored in Washington, D.C.

The Experience Works Prime Time Awards Program was created to highlight the valuable contributions that older workers are making in their communities and places of work.

The University of Maine Center on Aging is currently soliciting nominations from businesses and individuals. Applicants must be 65 years of age or older, a resident of Maine, currently employed, and working 20 hours each week for pay. The honoree must be willing and able to travel to Washington, D.C., October 5-9, 2004, for the Prime Time Award Program events. Applicants who are part of a subsidized employment program funded by the local, state or national government are not eligible for this award.

Maine’s 2003 outstanding older worker was Katherine Musgrave, 83, professor emerita at the University of Maine from Orono. Previous winners include Harry Sky, 78, rabbi from Falmouth; Fred Nutter, 68, reporter from Portland; Bud Sawyer, 69, radio announcer from Falmouth; and Reny Remillard, 78, electrical inspector from Old Orchard Beach.

Official nomination forms may be mailed to Prime Time Awards, c/o Andrew E. Matlins, University of Maine Center on Aging, 5723 D.P. Corbett Bldg., Orono, ME 04469-5723, or phone 207-581-3461.

A nomination form can be accessed online at www.experienceworks.org. The deadline for nominations is April 30.

A search for America’s Oldest Worker for 2004 is also under way. Last year, Dr. Russell Clark, 102, real estate developer and retired physician, was named America’s Oldest Worker.

Experience Works is a national, nonprofit organization .

that provides training and employment services for mature workers.