GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Finding, hiring, and training the right people to fill open positions can be a daunting task for any business. Fortunately, for businesses in Alachua and Bradford Counties, CareerSource North Central Florida can help.
Take Phalanx Defense Systems in Gainesville, Florida. Phalanx develops and manufactures advanced life-saving equipment for professionals in a range of industries – from emergency first responders to protection and defense organizations – like protective vests, personal concealed armor, helmets, and other protective gear.
Phalanx depends on their partnership with CareerSource NCFL to find vetted talent for their business and help cover the expenses of preparing those workers for long-term careers.
James Coats, the founder of Phalanx Defense Systems, is very vocal about his positive experience working with the team at CareerSource NCFL. “The partnership between Phalanx Defense Systems and CareerSource is a very unique one. Working with CareerSource is something that most businesses don’t get the opportunity to do. We make advanced life-saving equipment. CareerSource has become part of our tool bag to help us save lives,” he says.
Recently, CareerSource NCFL hosted a career fair and invited local businesses in the Advanced Manufacturing industry to exhibit and give potential job seeking candidates the opportunity to see which companies are looking for new talent. Attendees are able to speak with hiring managers about current company openings, something James believes is very beneficial.
In addition to participating in industry-specific job fairs, Phalanx continues to work closely with CareerSource NCFL to find dedicated workers for their team.
“[Our partnership with CareerSource NCFL] has allowed us to find qualified interns that bring something to the team – that all focused on life-saving equipment,” he says. “We’ve been able to work exclusively with [CareerSource NCFL] to find qualified interns.”
Working with CareerSource NFCL is very helpful, James says, because they provide a selection of applicants who are interested in the industry rather than job seekers who simply apply for every position available.
“I would highly recommend CareerSource for any employer who is looking for qualified candidates at no cost to your company.”
As the products Phalanx develops and manufactures are vital for saving lives, finding a new hire that’s a good fit for the team is imperative. Working with CareerSource NCFL and exhibiting at the Advanced Manufacturing Fair provided another group of promising applicants for them.
“As a small business – as a niche business – that focuses on saving lives, this is one of the best partnerships that one can imagine,” says James.
The best part of that partnership? Finding and hiring qualified candidates who are committed to their work and giving them the opportunity to begin a long-term, promising career.