Looks like it is good news for May job numbers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an increase in 175,00 jobs last week; however, unemployment has slightly increased. It turns out that an optimistic outlook on the economy does not always translate to increased hiring, according to a recent survey. While the number of executives who reported being ‘optimistic’ about the economy increased by more than 15 percent, most remained cautious about hiring. Perhaps a little more time is needed to increase the overall confidence to move forward with hiring. For the defense industry, only time will tell if fiscal year 2014 is any different from fiscal year 2013.
Hiring News
OPM’s phased approach to retirement could open the door for new federal positions in the coming years, as the outgoing generation spends time sharing knowledge to the incoming generation. Perhaps phased retirements could help with budget savings and knowledge retention.
While OshKosh Corp may not be hiring, they are trying to make sure the 535 employees being laid off find other work. Spending on military vehicles is expected to continue its downward spiral; however, OshKosh has hosted an exclusive career fair to try to link the employees with 14 local companies that have over 540 job openings. Some of the companies on the list are Mercury Marine Inc., Oldenburg Group, Quad/Graphics, and Schneider National.
Does a clearance cover all aspects of background screening for new hires? Or are cleared job applicants just as much in need of in-depth background screening as non-cleared applicants? Apparently, some applicants are paying not only for bogus degree qualifications, but also for companies to confirm the false information on the résumé. You can never be too careful when screening applicants.
Who’s Acquiring
On June 3, 2013, Heico Corp, an aerospace manufacturer based in Florida, acquired Reinhold Industries. Reinhold Industries is a California-based company that specialized in commercial aviation, as well as, missile defense systems. Business is expected to continue as normal for both companies, as employee turnover is not currently projected as part of this acquisition process.
Washington Business Journal reports that acquisitions and small businesses could suffer in fiscal year 2014 if the DOD sequester continues past September.
Who’s Moving
Defense spending is being cut, but cyber spending is on the rise. The military’s Cyber Command is looking to add 3,000 to 4,000 new cyber warriors by 2015 at its new headquarters that is being constructed in Fort Meade, MD. What was previously a golf course will soon be a central location focused on United States cyber security, which is certainly a hot topic right now.
