PEORIA, Ariz. -- The Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) program held a partnership signing agreement between the U.S. Army and OakCraft Elegant Cabinetry, Feb. 21, OakCraft Headquarters, Peoria, Arizona.
The event was attended by more than 40 people, including representatives from the Phoenix Recruiting Battalion, PaYS, OakCraft and the Peoria Police Department.
The agreement between Oakcraft and PaYS is part of a program designed to prepare, train and connect Soldiers to future employers.
The PaYS program ensures Soldiers are guaranteed a job interview with a PaYS partner of their choice after completing their Army Reserve training or first term of active duty service. The program provides employers with a pool of highly skilled, motivated and professional candidates from which they can fill their personnel needs.
Founded in 1982 in Phoenix, OakCraft has grown to become the largest cabinet manufacturer in the Southwestern United States. Oakcraft manufactures all of its cabinetry and wood products in a 110,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Peoria, Arizona.
This type of longevity and success makes OakCraft an ideal PaYS partner, said Lt. Col. Dave Clukey, commander, Phoenix Recruiting Battalion, who praised OakCraft for their initiative in seeking qualified Army candidates to help continue their growth.
“Each year 250,000 service members exit the military and re-enter civilian life,” Clukey said. “What OakCraft has now invested in, is an opportunity to tap into some of the hardest working leaders, team builders and community problem solvers in the world.”
“OakCraft will now be able to select from a controlled flow of quality employment candidates from the U.S. Army,” he continued.
The Army seeks resilient and fit people of character who represent the diversity of America, Clukey said, adding this is the pool of potential employees OakCraft will now have access to.
“These are candidates who have established a positive work ethic, have values, have entry to mid-level leadership skills, are tested free and clear of drugs and have honorably served or are serving their country,” Clukey said.
“Oakcraft can be proud of the fact they are directly helping young American’s who are willing to sacrifice their lives to protect our national security interests, freedom and way of life,” he said.
The partnership was also lauded by Windy Zachek, owner and chief executive officer, OakCraft, who said hiring experienced veterans will help further the company.
“We’re excited to join the Army’s recruiting mission through the PaYS program. Army and Army Reserve Soldiers will be provided the chance for a guaranteed job interview with OakCraft,” Zachek said. “It has always been a practice of OakCraft to employ veterans for the qualities and strength they gained serving our military.”
“Now with the partnership with PaYS, we have the opportunity to tap into a highly trained workforce,” she added. “PaYS program participants gain leadership, professional and technical skills preparing them for future career opportunities.”
Zachek said it's an honor to be part of the PaYS program and couldn't be prouder to support the nation's heroes.