Southwestern Community College will launch a training program for live game dealers, in conjunction with Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort, thanks in part to a nearly $400,000 back-to-work grant from the N.C. Department of Commerce.

Specifically, the grant will help the nearly 1,000 people in SCC’s three-county service area whose unemployment has run out with financial assistance to enroll in the gambling course.

The newly developed course is a seven-week training program that will teach participants live gaming techniques and casino regulations. With the addition of live gaming this past August, Harrah’s anticipated that 500 new jobs would be created. These positions pay an average of $25 per hour.

“The timing of this grant was perfect for what was happening at Harrah’s. It allowed SCC to develop a trained workforce for Harrah’s and help the people in Western North Carolina get back to work,” said Sonja Haynes, dean of Workforce and Economic Development at SCC.

In addition to the technical skills needed to be a dealer, this program has been expanded to include classes teaching communication, time management, problem solving and how to have a positive self-image. Instructors will also work with the students on how to write a resume and interview for a job.

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