Job fair in Chattanooga attracts hundreds of applicants

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee(WDEF) – With hundreds of new jobs available at a plant that is currently under construction, many people had no problem waiting in long lines to talk to a recruiter.

Hundreds of job seekers found themselves flocking to Embassy Suites Hotel in Chattanooga where a job fair for Plastic Omnium was being held.

Kent already has a job but she’s looking at Plastic Omnium as better career option. After talking to a recruiter’s she’s hoping she got past that one major hurdle.

“I think it’s just hard to get your foot in the door but once you get your foot in the door, maybe it’s a little bit easier. But it is hard to land that first job.”

But Plastic Omnium is also looking for machine operators and technicians.

Plastic Omnium is currently building a plant near Volkswagen. The company will use this facility to build parts for Volkswagens new Sports Utility vehicle. So they plan to initially hire 184 people then eventually fill 300 positions. The pay rate for many of those spots is just $12.45 an hour.

"One of the minimum requirements is a highs school diploma or a GED. As far as work history experience; recent manufacturing experience is preferred, especially early on in the hiring process," said Business Development Manager Steven Sawyer.

While some applicants admitted to WDEF that they were not sure what position they were looking to apply for, others had a good idea.

“I’m looking for an industrial maintenance job. I found out about it from the school I go to," said Dereke Silvers.

“Just something different something new; one of their assembly positions," said Wanda Harden.

Judging by the mere size of plant that’s currently under construction, there will be a lot of assembly to go around.