News from New York State Department of Labor

For more information contact: Leo Rosales, 518-457-5519

Labor Department Announces Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Job Fair

More Than 3,000 Jobs to be Offered by Businesses

ALBANY, NY (04/17/2008; 1118)(readMedia)-- State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith today announced the State Department of Labor, in partnership with the Office of General Services, the Times Union, CBS-6, JAMZ 96.3, and the City of Albany, will co-sponsor the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Job Fair on Thursday, April 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany.

More than 3,000 jobs will be offered by over 100 local employers, who will meet with job seekers and conduct interviews for a wide variety of employment opportunities. Admission is free to the public.

“For Dr. King, the dream of equality went far beyond the urgent challenge of ending racial discrimination,” said Governor Paterson. “Dr. King’s dream was one of full equality for all men and women – equality found only in a society where we truly care about the education of each and every child; equality found where the health of every person is never optional; and equality found where everyone has the opportunity to find meaningful employment. That is why today’s event embodies the spirit of that vision for equality. I thank all of the dedicated people that organized this event, and I welcome my fellow New Yorkers here and wish them the best in their job search.”

“The State Labor Department is proud to once again co-sponsor of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Job Fair,” said Commissioner Smith. “During these tough economic times, it is more crucial than ever that the Department of Labor help get New Yorkers working. We offer a variety of services, like career counseling, resume development, training programs, and apprenticeship opportunities; all in an effort to get workers back on their feet so they can support their families.”

Office of General Services Commissioner John Egan said, “OGS is pleased to partner with the Department of Labor to host this important initiative. By working together we can keep Dr. King’s legacy of hope and opportunity alive. Let us all remember how he changed our nation and resolve to do the same for future generations.”

Job seekers are encouraged to bring their resumes, dress to impress and be prepared to speak to local employers about numerous career opportunities. Businesses will be recruiting for positions such as accountant, child care worker, communications specialist, database administrator, electrician, food service workers, health care specialist, HVAC technician, keyboard specialist, LPN, marketing coordinator, mechanic, occupational therapist, paralegal, pharmacist, RN, sales representative, social worker, teacher, teller and web developer.

More than 100 local businesses will be present, representing a variety of industries. Some of these industries include manufacturing, retail, human services, banking and finance, health care, education, information technology, construction and government. Some of the businesses attending include GE, Lockheed Martin - KAPL, Inc., Computer Sciences Corporation, CSX Transportation, Price Chopper Supermarkets, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, The College of St. Rose, Quad Graphics, St. Clare's/Ellis Hospital, City of Albany, Seton Health/St. Mary's Hospital, SEFCU, Tri City JATC, CBS 6 & the Capital Region's CW, Parsons Child and Family Center, and a number of state agencies.

For more information regarding the job fair, please contact the Department of Labor at 1-800-HIRE-992 or visit the department’s website at: www.labor.state.ny.us.