Local residents, screened and trained at Compton...

Local residents, screened and trained at Compton Community College, will be considered first for the 150 construction jobs and 350 permanent jobs to be created by development of a 300-room hotel and convention center here during the next year, city and college officials have said.

The company that will construct and operate the 10-story hotel has agreed to give qualified job-seekers from the Compton area, especially those who have gone through special training programs at Compton College, first chance at new positions, announced college spokesman Charles Cropsey and City Atty. Wesley Fenderson Jr.

“The college is not making guarantees,” said Cropsey, “but it certainly would appear that the chances (of those who train at the college) are better than good.”

Ground breaking and site preparation for the hotel is tentatively scheduled for May and construction is expected to take one year.

Beginning in about 10 days, the college will offer two-month courses in basic construction skills and building codes, said Cropsey. Classes may be offered during days, evenings or on Saturday, depending on demand, he said. Orientation is scheduled Friday at the college.

Classes in hotel operations will be offered in the fall, said Cropsey. Fenderson said developers have indicated that will attempt to hire 50% to 75% of their permanent employees through the program.

Information may be obtained by calling Margie Miles at 637-2660, ext. 339.