TK holds job fair in Monroeville

MONROEVILLE, Ala. - An international steel mill is looking for new employees. ThyssenKrupp Steel held a job fair Tuesday in Monroeville.

Folks were lined up with resumes in hand. They showed up at the job fair, which was held at Alabama Southern Community College, in hopes of landing a job with the company.

Steel plant representatives were there to discuss all of the opportunities the company has to offer.

Hill Harper was one of the many who was looking for a job. He has worked all over the country in the mechanical maintenance field.

"I was working in the shipyards in New Orleans. We finished the last ship that I worked on and they're a year and a half behind on the next ship hitting the water, so just like everybody else, I'm out of work and hunting a job," said Harper.

He says he would like to find a job closer to his home in Monroeville, and says a job with Thyssenkrupp Steel would be ideal.

"Rather than go back on the road all my life, I decided to try something local," said Harper.

Jonathan Sirmon is also hoping for a job with Thyssenkrupp Steel. Until now, he had worked with the same company for four years.

"They cut us back on hours so much I couldn't afford to drive down there anymore," said Sirmon.

Joe Cheney says his wife is the one bringing in the money at his house, while he stays at home with their kids.

"It's nice but she can have it back. So hopefully I'll get hired on here," said Cheney.

Thyssenkrupp Steel is looking for skilled workers, and those willing to learn. It's planning to hire 400 employees as soon as possible, and 1,000 between October and May of 2010.

There will be another Thyssenkrupp Steel job fair Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Jackson City Nutrition Center.