TRG Customer Solutions put out a big call for workers on Thursday: It needs to hire more than 350 people.

That’s how many jobs are being added to the Apple Inc. product and technical support program at the Bend operations center, formerly known as iSky.

TRG received the contract with Apple last summer and launched a pilot program in October, according to Paul Clough, executive vice president for marketing and sales support of TRG.

The next phase of the contract includes more support staff at the Bend location, based on a sufficient number of qualified people in the area.

“It’s really based on two factors,” Clough said. “One, the expected availability of the people who could do the work; and two, the performance that we have had to date.”

The job boost comes amid soaring unemployment in Central Oregon. Deschutes County’s jobless rate reached 12 percent in January, according to the Oregon Employment Department. Jefferson and Crook counties posted 12.9 percent and 14.9 percent unemployment, respectively.

“It certainly is very good news,” Jan Swander, work force analyst with WorkSource Bend, said about the new jobs.

“We have about 100 job listings right now in the Bend office. Many times you see one or two openings, up to 10, but when you have an employer calling that has 350, that is very encouraging for the region to hear.”

There are many qualified workers in Central Oregon who are idle and ready to work, Swander said.

The jobs come at a good time for those who can fill the positions, said Roger Lee, executive director of Economic Development for Central Oregon.

And for TRG, “They have a great talent pool (from) which to draw, based on unemployment rates and general economic conditions,” he added.

“We are in a cycle, and we will eventually turn around,” Lee said, “but I think it’s another example of how there are companies growing in the economy in spite of the bad news.”

TRG currently employs about 300 people in Bend, said Pat Barkley, Bend site director. Approximately 75 of those serve in the Apple support program.

“I’m expecting the response to be absolutely positive,” Barkley said. “We are already seeing people come in to fill out applications.”

The majority of positions for which TRG is accepting applications entail answering support calls from Apple customers. Starting pay will begin at $10 per hour, and employees will have an opportunity to earn up to $11.50 per hour if they meet performance targets.

TRG also looks to fill supervisory, training and quality management positions.

A three-week paid training program is required for all people hired.

Apple could not be reached for comment.

Want to apply?

For more information or to fill out an application, call 541-647-6670, or visit TRG Customer Solutions at 501 S.W. Hill St., in Bend.