PHOENIX – Close to 40 companies will be on hand at the Phoenix Job Corps Job Fair Thursday.

The fair, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is taking place at the Job Corps gym at 518 South 3rd Street, south of downtown Phoenix.

The employers met with Job Corps Students from 9 a.m to 10 a.m to give them the first opportunity to speak with them and apply for jobs.

Representatives from the food, construction, government and retail industries will be at the fair.

.Luis De La Cruz, president of Andale Construction, is participating at the fair and tells Lehman he is ready to hire.“I’m looking for people who are willing to learn, willing to be a positive contributor in construction industry,” he said, referring specifically to his expertise underground utilities.De La Cruz said it takes a special type of person to work in the construction industry.It has to be someone who can deal with the elements, especially in Arizona with the hot weather, De la Cruz said.If you’re not interested in construction, Andale Contructions has a strong partnership with the Phoenix Job Corps.

 Safeway another long time partner with the PJCC will also be represented at the job fair. LaArnie Lucas, a human resources manager, said her company offers jobs beyond the grocery store setting. “Anything from manufacturing to distribution to our satellite corporate office in north Phoenix,” Lucas said.Call center, accounting and general office positions are available, Lucas said.