The state of Wisconsin and local agencies in southeast Wisconsin have started holding career fairs to connect people with possible construction jobs related to the Foxconn project in Racine County.
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development says the construction of the Foxconn plant and related initiatives will employ several thousands of people. The Wisconn Valley Construction Resource Fair — held Thursday in Racine — is one way the company and state are trying to spread the word about potential employment opportunities.
Highway ramp builder Anna Fell was one of about 300 would-be workers to attended the career fair Thursday. She said her work on the Zoo Interchange in Milwaukee County is coming to an end and she’s looking for her next job.
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“This is what I do for a living,” Fell said. “If I can stay here, where I’m from, and keep building, I’m all for it.”
Herman Hampton of Milwaukee is a carpenters apprentice. He said he’s currently laid off, and wants regular pay. Hampton said he’s well aware that the state subsidies for the Foxconn project are controversial.
“I gotta be honest, I got to feed the family, man. So, if they’re breaking ground for a building and the money’s going, I need some of that to be in my pocket,” Hampton said, laughing.
The state and Racine County already have road projects underway near the site of the Foxconn plant, even though various environmental and infrastructure permits have yet to be approved for the factory, and some neighbors of the Foxconn property are resisting buyout offers.
Groundbreaking for the plant could take place within the next two months.
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