Capacity crowd at SRS job fair

Thousands of job seekers turned out Tuesday for the first job fair related to stimulus jobs at the Savannah River Site.

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, the company that oversees the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds, was expecting around 2,000 individuals to come out to Aiken Technical College for the fair. What they got was more than double that amount.

Around 4,300 people came to see the jobs on offer and talk to the 13 recruiting firms that are heading up the selection process.

As of Tuesday morning, more than 5,000 resumes have been submitted for the 3,000 jobs estimated to be created by the $1.56 billion in stimulus funds allocated to SRS to accelerate demolition and decontamination work.

"It's been this way at all the job fairs and town meetings we've had. I don't use adjectives lightly, but it is kind of magnificent when you look at the total outpouring in the community," said Roger Eshelman, executive vice president of operations for SRNS. "It is very important to South Carolina that we make the most of this opportunity."

The day began with early birds being taken to the amphitheater for a town hall-style meeting where DOE Manager Jeff Allison and Eshelman briefed the crowd on ARRA programs and the opportunities for employment. Then a question and answer session was held. Most questions focused on what type of employment would be available and whether benefits would cover these temporary positions.

Representatives referred several individuals to the website for the program, SRS.gov/recovery.

Eshelman said during the presentation that 700 people have already been employed as a result of the stimulus funds and a further 800 jobs have been saved - jobs that would have been lost if not for the capital injection.

As the numbers swelled, an overflow theater was filled and lines continued to form around buildings outside. As more job-seekers arrived, numbers were filtered through until smaller groups were passed into the gymnasium to meet with recruiters.

As well as the direct benefits to the potential employee, the wider economy has been positively affected by ARRA funds since they were allocated to SRS, according to Sharon M. Campbell, manager of small business programs for SRNS.

"In the ARRA side, we're talking about $50 million invested, and 72 percent of that is going into small businesses," she said.

Job seekers and Field

Showanda Ingram -- Medical

"I had no idea how many people would be hear, but I got some good information."

Chris Wilson -- CDL/Forklift driver

"Coming was a spur of the moment decision. I should have just gone online and tailored my resume to specific jobs, that would have been best, but I wouldn't have known that if I didn't come."

Charles Kelley -- Construction/Demolition

"It's been beautiful, there's a lot of people but I feel there's a good chance, I'm hopeful of getting something. I'm glad this is happening in this area, we need it."

Kristen Cochran -- Biology/Research

"I'm a recent graduate... this has been very helpful in getting contacts."

Scott Dimmick -- Management/Business

"I just graduated from Clemson, I'm looking for something in business or finance, I feel there are possible opportunities here. The number of people sends a message of how bad (the job market) is."

Amanda Johnson -- Clerical

"I enjoy office work, speaking to the recruiters I feel as if there is a good chance of getting a clerical, administrative job."

Contact Mike Gellatly at mgellatly@aikenstandard.com.