Veterans First: Join the Paychecks for Patriots Job Fair in Ocala!

Veterans First: Join the Paychecks for Patriots Job Fair in Ocala!

The local community is gearing up for an impactful event on November 13, as CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion hosts the 13th Annual „Paychecks for Patriots: Powered by Hope Florida“ Job Fair. This much-anticipated gathering will take place from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Marion County Public Library Headquarters located at 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., in Ocala, FL. It’s all about connecting job seekers, especially veterans and their families, with promising employment opportunities.

Henry Ayala, a former U.S. Army soldier and local veterans employment representative, encourages participants to engage with multiple veteran-friendly employers. Those looking for work should mark their calendars; businesses like Cone Distributing, FedEx, Marion County Board of County Commissioners, and SunTran are on board and eager to meet potential candidates.

The Importance of Veteran Support

The job fair is not just about handshakes and resumes. Veterans, active military members, and their families will have priority admission during the first hour, giving them a head start in finding employment. Pre-registration is recommended for quicker access, ensuring a smooth entry to this important event.

To bolster preparation, CareerSource CLM is offering a Job Fair Preparation Clinic the day before the fair, on November 12, from 10 to 11:30 AM. This free event, held at the CareerSource CLM Career Center at 2703 NE 14th St., Ocala, will equip attendees with essential job-hunting skills.

Furthermore, the Clothes Closet at the CareerSource CLM Career Center is available for veterans to find attire suitable for job interviews. After all, looking good is half the battle!

Accessibility and Resources

Transport won’t be a hurdle for veterans needing a ride to the job fair. Ocala SunTran will provide a limited number of transportation tickets starting October 30. These tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at various locations including the CareerSource CLM Career Center and the Marion County Veterans Services Office.

Upon arrival, all participants can enjoy free refreshments, making it not just an event for job searching, but also a great opportunity to network and share experiences among peers.

This event is part of a broader, nationwide initiative developed in partnership with FloridaCommerce, CareerSource Florida, Hope Florida, and the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs. Local sponsors, including Marcillo Real Estate, Cafecito con Leche, Ocala SunTran, and BIVOUAC Veterans News, are key players in making this event a reality.

For those who may not be able to attend the fair, opportunities are still within reach. Interested individuals can apply online for vacancies at employflorida.com. For veterans seeking specialized support, resources are available through veteran.employflorida.com.

CareerSource CLM continues to uphold its commitment year-round to offer priority services for veterans and eligible family members through its various career centers in Ocala, Lecanto, and Chiefland. Free support, job placement services, and other resources are accessible weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM, helping to pave the way for successful careers.

Finally, anyone seeking more information about the Paychecks for Patriots job fair or the myriad veteran services offered through CareerSource CLM can reach out by calling 800-434-JOBS (5627), ext. 2225. There’s something to be said for the community’s efforts in supporting its heroes.