More than 50 companies were represented Tuesday at North Carolina State University's McKimmon Center where WRAL and the Capital Area Workforce Development Board partnered for a job fair.

The sponsors required that companies have current job openings to participate.

Job seekers lined up before 8 a.m. to check out opportunities including nursing, law enforcement, engineering and customer service.

"I'm ready to work," said Casper Shay Collins, who was first in line. Collins said he has relied on faith and family during two years of unemployment.

Denise Russ said she found a half dozen jobs of interest in the Job Fair Guide as she waited.

George Jones has been out of work for six months. He said he hasn't been in this position since he graduated college in 1993. 

"I got caught up in the numbers crunch. Last hired, first fired," Jones said. 

Jones talked with several potential employers on Tuesday and one requested he speak with them further about a job. 

"I just need, I need an opportunity," he said.