News 12 at 6 o'clock, February 28, 2008
AUGUSTA, G.---News 12 first told you about a new business bringing up to 350 jobs to Augusta. The company is called TelePerformance, and it's a new call center with a medical twist. Workers will be responsible for customer service to WellCare's Medicaid members.
The company is hitting the ground running. They are looking to open their doors in May. That means they need workers -- and they need them soon. Augusta Tech will host the company and provide a place to train and recruit workers over the coming weeks. This all comes as the Georgia Labor Department reports the Augusta area lost over 2000 jobs in December and January.
Thursday's announcement has some in the community saying better days are ahead. Job announcements are becoming a familiar thing in the city of Augusta. First T-Mobile, then A.D.P. brought new call centers to the area. TelePerformance is a $2 billion company.
"I think it's a good opportunity. It definitely opens up options," said Jonathan Juras, a student assistant in the media center at Augusta State University. He says getting paid to take on challenges and find solutions would be a dream job. "That just makes me feel awesome. I'm like...yeah. I helped them," said Juras.
It's an opportunity for students to apply what they do best, and it means hundreds of new jobs for the Augusta area. "It lets us know that we can stay in Augusta. We don't have to relocate," said Andre Goodman.
Some call it a win-win situation. It is good news for the local economy and those making the transition from student to worker. That is the most rewarding part for the ASU faculty. "We get to see these students. They come back to us and thank us for the opportunity. So I'm thankful too," said media center director Rosemary Axton.
As for Jonathan...he says the future looks bright. "I think that it's excellent because I can have the peace of mind so to speak that if I decide to stay in Augusta and work I will have a pretty good job opening."
The starting salary is $9.50 an hour. To find out more, visit the company's website at www.teleperformance.com.
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