Prime50 was founded in 2004 after extensive research indicated a looming shortage of skilled people in the workforce as a consequence of the steep decline in the birth rate since 1965.

Recognizing the opportunity to address the skills shortage through experienced, knowledgeable employees 50 years of age and over, it became all too apparent that employers were laboring under many myths and false perceptions about this age group. Many employers' assumptions about the 50+ age group were inaccurate.

Employers were not aware of the flexibility of the 50+ age group, their ability and willingness to upgrade skill levels, their longevity on the job, and the real value and often unique contributions they could add to a company. Encouragingly, research also indentified a number of employers who, tired of constantly training replacements for job-hopping younger workers, were actually turning specifically to the mature workforce. What these employers have discovered is that, in addition to bringing a wealth of experience, the 50+ tend to stay on the job significantly longer.

Prime50 was created to provide a range of services to both the 50+ job seeker and to employers who wish to recruit and retain them. Prime50 helps employers recognize the experience of the mature workforce, while giving age 50+ job seekers the opportunity to put their experience to work and continue their careers.

In January of 2006, Prime50 was acquired by global Human Resources leader Drake International.

In October of 2008, Prime50 expanded its service by focusing specifically at matching people over 50 with part-time or interim assignments.

At the same time, Prime50 announced the appointment of Mike Harvey as Director, New Business Development. Harvey brings an impressive—and unusual—mix of senior HR and international business development experience to Prime50.  Employers will appreciate his insights on how the mature worker can be used to fill vexing talent gaps.

Since 1951, Drake International has helped North American businesses solve productivity problems and recruit the best people. Members of the Drake International Group of Companies are global leaders in the field of human resources, performance improvement, consultative management, staffing and technology solutions.

Drake's operating philosophy is based on the principle that organizations achieve the highest level of performance when they are staffed with the right people, working with the right skills, knowledge and behaviors, using the best processes and technology-driven solutions, over an extended period of time.

Our unique suite of innovative Staffing and HR Consulting solutions can be customized for your organization to assist you in improving performance, productivity, recruiting, retention, organizational culture and leadership.

Now, as a Drake solution, Prime 50 is in a better position than ever to help employers find the qualified people they can rely on and put experience back to work.

Challenge Drake to support you and your company to Outperform.