JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – The Army National Guard and Northrim Bank are scheduled to sign a partnership agreement as part of the U.S. Army Partnership for Youth Success program on Monday, Nov. 8 at 12 p.m. at Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center at 600 West 7th Ave. in Anchorage. The ceremony will be held during the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Make it Monday forum.
The PaYS program is a strategic partnership between the Army National Guard and a cross section of private businesses, universities, and public institutions. It provides Alaska’s newest Citizen-Soldiers the opportunity to increase their prospects for potential civilian employment while serving their country.
Partner companies with PaYS guarantee Soldiers an interview which could lead to employment. Previously only offered to active duty Soldiers, this unique program is now part of the Army Guard’s effort to partner with the statewide business community and connect Alaska with its members of the Army National Guard.
“Northrim advocates for a strong Alaska economy and partnerships like this help grow our employee base, which in turn allows us to serve our communities and invest in our neighbors,” said TJ Alinen, Northrim’s senior vice president, human resources director.
Currently, more than 900 companies and agencies nationwide are PaYS partners; approximately 15 of those partners are located in Alaska. Through this partnership, employers benefit from a controlled flow of quality employment candidates who have established a positive work ethic, entry to mid-level leadership skills, are tested free and clear of drugs and are honorably serving their country.
“We are excited to welcome Northrim Bank as our newest partner, and appreciate their support of Alaska Army National Guard, U.S. Army and Army Reserve Soldiers,” said Maj. Amy Slinker, Alaska Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion.
The Alaska Army National Guard is looking for more companies to join the program, and is seeking new applicants to join the Army Guard and participate in the program. The Guard’s newest Soldiers will be introduced to the PaYS enlistment option during their initial interview with their recruiter. They may select up to five PaYS partner companies at the Military Processing Station during the enlistment process with a guidance counselor.
When Soldiers return home after successfully completing initial entry training, they are eligible to contact the PaYS partner companies to schedule their interview. Soldiers who participate in the program develop valuable skills and experience, in addition to gaining opportunities for employment with organizations who understand the value of their military service.
The Alaska Army National Guard recently opened a new Retention Career Center staffed with a full-time team that supports this program and other Army Guard career initiatives. The center is located at the Alaska National Guard Armory on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
The PaYS program welcomes established companies and public sector agencies with positive reputations. Partner companies must also have the ability to forecast full-time positions that align with skills and abilities Army Guard Soldiers possess. Positions must be for full time permanent employment and cannot be classified as temporary hire. This includes temp agencies and placement agencies. The program does not charge a fee to become a partner, and companies that charge a fee for employment or placement are not eligible. Upon approval, a Memorandum of Agreement is executed between the employer and the U.S. Army.