How a Leading Interconnect Solutions Manufacturer Overcame Hiring Challenges with Eastridge's GATE Program
A leading U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in custom-engineered cable and interconnect solutions faced a critical hiring challenge at one of its facilities focused on cable harness assembly. The company needed skilled electromechanical assemblers but could only offer a starting wage of $17 per hour—well below the prevailing wage in the local market. Their previous staffing partner struggled to meet hiring goals, largely due to the limited availability of qualified candidates willing to work at that pay rate. As a result, high turnover and a growing number of unfilled roles were jeopardizing production schedules and operational efficiency.
Eastridge Workforce Solutions approached the challenge with a strategic, consultative mindset. Instead of submitting underqualified candidates to meet short-term quotas, Eastridge engaged with the company to fully understand its operational goals and talent needs—then designed a customized workforce solution to align with those objectives.
Realizing the manufacturer needed workers with transferable, foundational skills, Eastridge introduced a tailored version of its GATE program—a hands-on training and assessment initiative developed to prepare entry-level talent for manufacturing roles. Eastridge incorporated the client’s specific training materials to recreate a first-week work environment within its local branch. This immersive approach allowed candidates with general manufacturing experience to be upskilled and job-ready before stepping onto the production floor.
The impact was immediate and meaningful:
"This client had a specific need that wasn’t being met by traditional hiring methods," says Crystal Bessette-Castro, Director of Industrial Staffing at Eastridge Workforce Solutions. "By leveraging our GATE program, we were able to take individuals with foundational skills and provide them with the training they needed to excel in these roles. This approach not only solved their immediate hiring challenges but also improved long-term retention."
As the contingent workforce grew, the manufacturer requested additional on-site support. Eastridge assigned a dedicated account manager to the facility, providing direct access to operational leadership and deeper insight into workforce dynamics. During this partnership, Eastridge learned that the client was undergoing a facility expansion, which would require scaling the workforce even further.
To support sustained growth, Eastridge supplied real-time market data and applicant behavior insights—demonstrating how wage rates directly influenced candidate attraction and retention. With data in hand, the client agreed to increase the starting wage by $1 per hour, significantly improving candidate quality and reducing turnover.
"Sometimes, clients hesitate to adjust wages, but data makes the conversation easier," adds Bessette-Castro. "Once we showed how small pay adjustments could lead to significantly lower turnover, they saw the value in making proactive changes."
Eastridge goes beyond traditional staffing to deliver long-term, results-driven workforce solutions. Through consultative engagement, proprietary programs like GATE, and continuous labor market analysis, Eastridge builds deep partnerships that help clients scale smartly and sustainably.
"Our goal is to not just meet hiring needs but to create workforce strategies that sustain productivity and growth," says Bessette-Castro. "We build relationships that ensure our clients are always a step ahead in talent acquisition."
At peak engagement, Eastridge had over 60 workers successfully placed at the manufacturer’s facility, enabling consistent production output and greater operational efficiency. Even after the company transitioned portions of its hiring process in-house, the HR team continues to rely on Eastridge for workforce strategy and labor market insights. The strong relationship—built on proactive solutions and measurable results—ensures Eastridge remains a trusted partner, ready to support future hiring needs.