Hundreds of new jobs are now available in Watertown. Convergys, one of the largest employers in the city, is looking to hire as soon as possible. As Alex Valverde explains, company leaders say their growth is thanks in large part to the region's strong workforce.
WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- It's been one year since Convergys took over the Watertown call center.
Year two will see it providing the city with something it desperately needs: jobs. Between now and the end of the year, 500 people will be hired with 200 of them will needed for the company's contract with the Federal Health Care Exchange, which says it could see about 20 million people nationwide enroll this year.
“Given Watertown’s quality of performance over time and the support that we’ve done for healthcare in the past, we’re a part of that initiative and that’s going to bring a lot of opportunities to Watertown and we’re excited about that," Convergys Site Director Bryan Black said.
The jobs from the exchange are only seasonal, and they do require a license. But because not everyone has one, Convergys says it will provide the training and state exam for free, right on site.
“Once they pass that state exam then we actually will help them in getting their license and bringing them on board," Mary Thompson said, who is helping organize the exchange hirinig.
As for the other 300 jobs, those will be full-time working for Convergys' other clients.
The company says the talent is here and now the jobs are too. It's another step closer to lowering some of the highest unemployment rates in the state.
"Being part of a much larger company now since the acquisition, I think also brings with it more opportunities and that's kind of what we were hoping to see," Black said of Watertown's job opportunities
The company will also open its doors every Wednesday to those who want to see, in person, what it's all about.