Job Seekers Brave The Heat In Queens For Chance To Join Plumbers Union
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The heat couldn't keep more than 1,000 people from setting up camp in the streets of Queens to get their hands on a piece of paper that could ultimately land them their dream job.
Men and women lined up in Long Island City outside the Plumbers Union Training Center to get an application for a five-year apprentice program that could lead to a job placement starting at $14 and going up to $50 an hour.
Tim Murray, of Massapequa, arrived Monday night and was the first to set up camp.
"I'm hoping for a career," Murray said. "I'm hoping to not have to worry about where my next paycheck is coming from or my food the next day. These opportunities don't happen very often."
A spokesperson for the union said about 1,000 job applications will be given out Thursday, however, only about 200 jobs are available.
Three years ago, at the same event, the lines were longer and the plumber's union said job seekers were more anxious.
"I think there was a lot of anxiety about the economy. We saw about 2,000 people," Arthur Klock, Director of Trade Education, said. "I think things have improved a little bit."
Applications are due in August. Those who are accepted are expected to hear the good news sometime this fall.
