Tulsa International Airport Hosts Job Fair As Travel Returns To Normal

Tulsa International Airport said Tuesday's job fair was very successful. Officials with the airport said they're expecting a busy summer and there are a lot of immediate open positions they are looking to fill. 

Rodney Miles was laid off from Enterprise Car Rentals after ten years because of the pandemic. 

"People who have been working this whole time don't quite understand and 'oh why are they not finding a job with so many jobs out here.' It's just not that easy to find work," said Miles.

He was one of many filling out applications, dropping off resumes, and interviewing with the 11 businesses at the job fair. 

"It's kind of frustrating at first obviously you know losing a job after ten years, but now I'm back out here trying to find another one. I've interviewed with Enterprise a couple of times. It's kind of frustrating that they didn't just hire me right back," said Miles. 

The airport officials said they're ready to hire. 

"I know we have maintenance positions that are skilled workers. We have police officer positions open. So, it is definitely a range and not just entry level," said Kim Kuehler. 

Kuehler said they're seeing more people traveling now, and they're expecting a busy summer season. y

"I think they're all just kind of in the same boat. Everyone is ready to travel. Everyone has cabin fever and excited to get back out there and visit family, go to new destinations," said Kuehler. 

Miles said he's grateful the airport made the hiring process easy and he's hoping to get hired soon, even if it means taking a pay cut. 

"It's hard to pay your bills when you're making $20 going down to $14, but I think that's another thing people don't understand. That position is open, but not paying what you were making previously, which is understandable, but it's such a drop in pay," said Miles. 

If you couldn't make it out to the job fair, some of the positions are posted online HERE.