(Hudson Lake, IN) - Job seekers came out in droves Thursday night in Hudson Lake.

 

Monroe’s Crossing was the site of a hiring event put on by Amazon Web Services, or AWS. Hopeful applicants lined up out the door and along Chicago Road waiting to get in.

 

Once they did, Amazon offered them a drink ticket, food, and an opportunity to meet with recruiters.

 

Sarah Georgiades, who heads up community engagement for AWS, told HTNN that staffing needs are immediate. “We’re trying to hire, as quickly as we possibly can, 250 people right now,” she said. “So we’re really looking forward to be able to get out, meet the community, see what the skill sets are, and try to fill that gap.”

 

She says qualifications for the jobs are wide-ranging. “We’re looking for a variety of skills,” Georgiades said, “and we do provide training.” She added that prior work experience and a willingness to learn are the most important qualifications. Familiarity with a computer is a plus; programming skills are not necessary. People with HVAC and electrical skills are also needed.

 

According to Georgiades, a number of people have already been hired and are in training at the Amazon data facility east of New Carlisle.

 

Over 300 people showed up to Thursday’s hiring event, which is the first one that AWS has hosted. They plan to host more such events in the area, as their workforce is expected to grow to about 1,000 workers.