Martin Co. job fair attracts thousands

STUART, Fla. - Nearly hour before the job fair began the line of job seekers already stretched out the door of Indian River State College in Stuart. And that line continued to grow.

More than 2000 people pre-registered for the job fair, including mothers with children in toe, managers and professionals laid off in the middle of their careers, and entry level job seekers trying to land that first job.

Kathy Trombley has 22 years experience as a social worker. She recently moved to Florida and is having a hard time finding work.

"When I think about how many people are looking in my field, yeah there’s not many, but I try to stay positive," she tells one potential employer.

She says the competition can be intimidating but she wanted to brave the lines at this job fair for a chance to get valuable face to face time with employers.

Nineteen employers set up booths at the fair. Collectively, they have more than 400 positions available. But one company received more interest than the rest.

The Old Cell Phone Company provides phones, parts, and customer service for Simple Mobile customers.

It’s announced a major expansion in Martin County – 863 jobs, including 200 this year.

"There’s a lot of people here with experience more than me. I’m only 22 so we’ll see," said Marcus Zarfus, standing in line to meet representatives of the Old Cell Phone Company.

Kathy Trombley wants a social work job. but after working the room, she says she’s willing to try something else.

"I can start for 2 days a week at Walmart trying to be a cook demonstrator and trying to sell what I’m cooking," she says.

Whatever it takes, she says, to get back to work.