The square in front of the Citizens'Center in Shenzhen was jam-packed with more than 80,000 college graduates from all over the country at the weekend during a two-day job fair for college students.

Jobseekers, mainly from southwest, north and central China, were eager to show their prowess to more than 600 employers, including high-tech companies, foreign-funded and private firms, who offered more than 6,000 positions.

The fair, held at the Citizens'Center for the first time, lured well-known companies such as Konka, Foxconn, TCL and Shenzhen University.

Hirers also included firms from neighboring cities such as Huizhou and Shunde.

Zhou Jintao, vice director general of the local personnel bureau, said Shenzhen needed approximately 30,000 college graduates this year.

This year, there will be 11,000 students graduating from Shenzhen colleges. It is estimated more than 100,000 from other cities and provinces will look for work in Shenzhen. The latest report on employment said Shenzhen enterprises badly needed technicians or skilled workers while only 5 percent of local firms wanted graduates with bachelor's degree or above.

A skilled worker could earn more than 2,000 yuan (US$240) a month, higher than the average for college students, the report said.

(Shenzhen Daily March 21, 2005)