I'm 59 years old will this cost an issue with me becoming an employee?

Depends on what position you are looking at. I was a sales ambassador for major dealers in the northwest and I didn't have a college degree. My experience while working on the automotive parts industry as a district manager gave me exposure.

Janitors are hired through a different company, but for production, no degree necessary

I'm also going to piggyback off the last answer it all depends on what type of job you are applying for more than likely if you are going to the corporate building you going to need a high school I mean high school diploma and a degree other than that no you do not need a degree to get hired in it for motor company

That depends on what kind of job you looking for. Janitors and assembly line don’t need a degree. Trade work you need to be certified