More Chrysler Suppliers Prepare for Third Shift

Belvidere, IL - Competition is so stiff for the 150 third shift jobs at Daimler Chrysler plant supplier Android Industries that candidates didnt just submit a resume at the job fair Thursday morning. They also took two hours of testing. Betsy Albright was a bit nervous as she waited to take the tests. She works in a Rockford School kitchen and, since schools out for the summer, shes taking the opportunity to look for a year-round job. "I need to find something for the summer," says Albright. "And if it works into something long term, for all year, then I would be willing to change jobs." Android Industries manufactures auto parts and is looking for assembly and material handlers to fill the 150 new positions. The company added the third shift to keep up with the growth of the Daimler Chrysler plant. "First of all they`ll do a math test and a reading test," says Paula Paul, who works for Android Industries. "They`re both timed tests and it just helps us to assess their reading and comprehension skills and what their math capabilities are. And when that is finished they take what we call a fit test. It helps us determine their fit within Android`s culture." Keith Barbary wasnt too nervous, though. Hes confident his background in the military makes him an ideal candidate for the job. "I worked in the supply unit," says Barbary. "So I`m pretty qualified for doing this type of work...forklift manufacturing stuff. I went to school for that through the army." But Albright is crossing her fingers for some luck and some help from her family. "My dad worked for Chrysler, but he`s retired now from there," says Albright. "So I`m hoping maybe that`ll help. I don`t know." The people who took the tests on Thursday will find out by Friday if theyve been selected to move on. Orientation starts June 19th. The Android Industry job fair continues Friday morning at the Community Building Complex at 111 W. First St. in Belvidere from 8 a.m. to noon. Starting pay for the jobs is $9 an hour and rising to $11 after 90 days.