By Ashleigh Ruhl
The modernization of Long Beach Airport, currently underway, has resulted in new, permanent job opportunities for more than 100 area residents. There will be a job fair this week for those seeking employment.
“These job openings are just fantastic,” Long Beach Airport Director Mario Rodriguez said. “This is what we all strive for — just to make the Long Beach community a better place.”
The new airport concourse, expected to be complete ahead of schedule in early 2013 or sooner, will include more than 10,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space managed by The Paradies Shops. Based in Atlanta, The Paradies Shops operates more than 550 stores in more than 75 airports and hotels across the United States and Canada.
That new concessionaire incorporates local companies into the LGB’s new concourse and is hosting the job fair from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 15 through Oct. 20 at the Marriott Long Beach Airport, 4700 Airport Plaza Drive.
Local vendors featured by The Paradies Shops include 4th Street Vine, Long Beach Clothing Company, McKenna’s on the Bay (which is going to be called McKenna’s on the Fly), Polly’s Gourmet Coffee, Sweet Jill’s Bakery and others.
Part-time and full-time jobs, from minimum wage to $16 per hour, are available for those interested in working as sales associates, servers, bartenders, greeters, baristas, counter helpers, cashiers, prep cooks, line cooks, dishwashers and more.
Those who attend the job fair should be prepared and appropriately dressed for one-on-one interviews. Attendees should bring resumes to the event and be prepared to complete a job application. A background check may be required.
New hires should be prepared to start work as early as mid-November.
Rodriquez said there are still a few more aspects of the modernization to complete, including a new car rental facility, a valet service/transportation center and curb improvements.
“We are really excited about improving and enhancing the airport and creating more jobs,” Rodriguez said. “We want to make sure we elevate the level of customer service here.”
http://www.gazettes.com/news/business/airport-modernization-means-more-local-jobs/article_44055eea-1330-11e2-8f3a-001a4bcf887a.html