NAS Whiting Field held its 26th annual job fair Thursday with employers representing high tech, service, education, retail, and education companies with local and nationwide positions available. While a late reschedule meant fewer employers came, 231 job seekers came to the fair within the first half hour. Whiting Field’s Public Information Officer Jay Cope said, “Even if one or two people find employment, it will have been worthwhile.”
Darryl Johnson, interim director of the Whiting Field Fleet and FamilySupportCenter who organized the job fair said several tech companies like CSC and Gulf Power attended while also having those with clerical and social service positions. “It’s a variety,” he said. He also noted some companies have been coming for over 15 years such as Gulf Power, Landrum Staffing, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Cope described the event as a triple win as it helped those transitioning to life on the base and their spouses, employers see a large pool of candidates, and the county at large develop a more economically sound citizenry. Johnson said, “It’s about being a good neighbor.” Final numbers came from Cope including 667 people attending, 40 employers, 100 interviews held on site, and more than 2,000 informational sessions between employers and job seekers.
Look for more photos of the job fair in our photo gallery section.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Seeking work and workers at NAS Whiting Field