More than 200 job offers extended during two-day shipyard hiring fair at the Kitsap Conference Center

More than 200 job offers extended during two-day shipyard hiring fair at the Kitsap Conference Center

By Ben Hutto, PSNS & IMF Public Affairs

Thousands came through the doors of the Kitsap Conference Center in downtown Bremerton in search of job opportunities, Aug. 9-10, during the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility Hiring Fair.

Job seekers were able to speak directly with PSNS & IMF code and shop representative who set up booths showcasing the wide variety of opportunities available to them.

"The shipyard offers stable career in an unstable economy," said Cailin Goldey, administrative assistant, Shop 99, Temporary Services. "With a government retirement, training and career progression, it offers a worker all they could want."

This was the second hiring event held by the shipyard this year in an effort to expand the shipyard's capability to maintain and retire the Navy's fleet.

This initiative to get more workers into the shipyard resulted in 230 tentative job offers during the event.

Dan Wright, a hiring manager for Shop 11-17, Shipfitters, Forge & Sheet Metal, stressed that an offer is just the first step in getting hired. Applicants who accept their offers must still complete a security clearance check, and medical evaluations before they begin work. This can lead to extending applicant start dates.

"It's important that applicants remain available throughout the process," said Wright. Potential employees are encouraged to keep an eye on their Spam inboxes and missed phone calls. Making corrections to applications is a common process, but it can lead to delays if it isn't addressed in a timely manner. " The quicker we can correct these mistakes, it makes it easier to get people onboard and does not push people back to the end of the line," Wright said.

The federal hiring process can be complex and and navigating the process takes an understanding of all the elements that come into play, according to Randy Parks, hiring manager for Shop 11-17, Pipefitters.

"There are a lot of factors that go into hiring," said Parks. "Fiscal priorities and scheduling can change and several times we've had to on-board members ahead of others because of the needs of the shipyard. That can be frustrating. We understand that, but we do what we can to get everyone on board as quick as possible."

Hiring managers are here to help. Every offer sheet that is extended has the name, email and phone number of the hiring manager to answer any questions or concerns that arise during the onboarding process; calling them can help alleviate stress and offer reassurance for new employees awaiting a start date.

The hiring fair is one of many PSNS & IMF initiative to help attract new workers to the shipyard. If you or someone you know is interested in a great career with PSNS & IMF, you can email a resume to [email protected] or check USAJobs.gov (search PSNS).