East Harlem residents looking to get in on the next big chapter of the Second Avenue Subway will have a shot on Friday, when the MTA and city officials host a hiring fair aimed squarely at local talent. The event is built around Phase 2 of the long‑planned line extension that will finally bring Q service up to 125th Street, with organizers courting neighbors interested in union apprenticeships and construction‑industry training as heavy civil work ramps up. The fair is designed to plug candidates into union pipelines, civil‑service tracks and entry‑level construction roles tied to tunneling and station work.
According to PIX11, the fair runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 219 East 109th Street (between Second and Third avenues) and will feature information on union apprenticeship programs, construction‑industry training and civil‑service exam opportunities. PIX11 notes that job seekers can pre‑register through a link provided in its report and says many roles share some basic requirements: applicants should be at least 18, hold a high‑school diploma and be authorized to work in the U.S.
Why the hiring push matters
The recruitment blitz comes as the MTA moves ahead with Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway after awarding a tunneling contract valued at roughly $1.97 billion and scheduling heavy civil work to begin in 2026, with revenue service targeted for 2032. As outlined by the MTA, Phase 2 will add new stations at 106th, 116th and 125th Streets, along with a direct connection at 125th Street to Metro‑North. For more background on the board vote and the overall project scope, see 2 billion Second Avenue extension in East Harlem.
What the fair will cover
The in‑person event is expected to include presentations on union apprenticeship pipelines and construction‑industry training, plus resources on civil‑service exams and different recruitment pathways into public‑sector jobs. PIX11 reports that organizers plan to have printed materials and on‑site representatives ready to walk attendees through how to apply and qualify for union positions and city roles.
Jobs and how to prepare
Per the MTA Careers site, the agency regularly recruits for automotive maintenance, construction trades and electro‑mechanical roles and often asks candidates to pre‑apply to event‑specific postings before assessments. The careers page advises applicants to bring a professional resume and photo ID and to be ready for on‑site or scheduled assessments if they are selected to move forward.
Local impact
The MTA says Phase 2 comes with a 20 percent local‑hire goal and is expected to generate tens of thousands of construction and related jobs, benefits that officials say are meant to help deliver transit equity for East Harlem. "The time for building is here," agency leaders wrote in a press release about the contract award, arguing that the project will shorten commutes and strengthen connections across the East Side.
The hiring fair is scheduled for Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at 219 East 109th Street. Residents who cannot make it this time are encouraged to keep an eye on the MTA Careers site for future events and apprenticeship opportunities. Additional details on the fair and pre‑registration are available through the PIX11 report and the MTA’s event listings.
