Tuition Assistance Now Available for Massachusetts Casino Career Training Institute
Tuition Assistance Now Available for Massachusetts Casino Career Training Institute
State, federal and college foundation programs provide tuition assistance for qualified Springfield area residents
SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (March 22, 2018) – The Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the
Springfield Technical Community College Foundation and the Holyoke Community College Foundation have provided funding to create scholarships for MCCTI students. In addition, MCCTI has been designated as a pre-apprenticeship training program through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), a federally funded employment and training program.
“STCC and HCC, in collaboration with MGM, have created MCCTI to make sure people get the training they need for the jobs they want,” said Michele Cabral, Director of MCCTI. “These scholarship opportunities make it possible for everyone who wants a job or wants a better job, to get the skills they need.”
Registration is ongoing, with seats available for April sessions (starting 4/9, 4/23, and 4/30), as well as May and June classes. The courses are geared toward those interested in beginning a career but who do not yet have experience or training as table game dealers. Successful completion of two or more classes at MCCTI guarantees an audition with MGM Springfield. The resort and casino is seeking to hire 450 table games and poker dealers.
“The chance to start a new career and secure this training at no cost or reduced cost is a significant opportunity we hope many Springfield area residents will consider,” said Alex Dixon, General Manager, MGM Springfield. “Becoming a table games dealer is one of the most coveted and fruitful careers choices in the gaming, hospitality and entertainment industries. It’s a great way to make a life and provide for a family, and we’re thankful for MCCTI’s help in this endeavor.”
Scholarship information, along with a full schedule of classes and course descriptions, is available on the MCCTI website at www.mccti.org.
“The training is happening between now and July 18,” added Cabral. “We hope those who are unemployed, underemployed or who have been displaced will take advantage of these scholarships, which provide access to high quality career and skills training for area residents.”
INFORMATION SESSIONS
MGM Springfield and MCCTI will host information sessions on Saturday, April 7 & 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free and open to the public, these sessions will provide specifics on registration and enrollment, what it takes to become a successful table games dealer, skills required, and opportunities available. No formal education is required to apply to the school, and beginners are welcome. Information sessions will be held at the new MCCTI facility at 95 State Street in downtown Springfield. To learn more or to register in advance, please visit http://www.mccti.org/upcoming.html
About the Massachusetts Casino Career Training Institute (MCCTI)
The MCCTI was formed as a collaborating workforce development organization by the state’s fifteen community colleges. The MCCTI has developed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to work collaboratively regarding workforce certification, training, licensure and other requirements. The Institute is collaborating with Workforce Investment Boards/Regional Employment Boards (WIB/REB), the Massachusetts community colleges, resort casino and slot facility developers and operators, educators, training providers, unions, and community based organizations to provide recruitment, screening, career counseling, training, and job placement strategies and solutions.
About Holyoke Community College
The first two-year college in the Commonwealth, HCC is widely recognized for its high-quality, affordable pathways to transfer or immediate entry into the workforce. A designated Hispanic Serving Institution, HCC serves a diverse community with more than 80 degree and certificate programs, comprehensive academic support services, innovative instruction, vibrant arts and cultural activities, and flexible online, blended, day, evening, and Saturday classes. The largest community college feeder to UMass Amherst, HCC is noted for transfer to selective liberal arts institutions, including Amherst, Smith, Mount Holyoke, Cornell, Brown, Brandeis and other top colleges and universities.
About Springfield Technical Community College
Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC, a designated Hispanic Serving Institution and an Achieving the Dream Leader College, offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, engineering, liberal arts, science and technology continue to provide the most economical options for students pursuing a fouryear degree. With an annual enrollment of more than 7,700 day, evening, weekend and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.
About MGM Springfield
MGM Springfield covers three city blocks in the heart of downtown Springfield, Mass. Igniting a cultural and economic renaissance in a historic New England city, the approximately 2 million square-foot development, which combines new construction with revived historic buildings, will offer more than 125,000 square feet of gaming space, a 250-room boutique hotel on Main Street and superior spa services, inspired dining and diverse retail. MGM Springfield also will feature a luxury cinema, high-energy bowling complex, a seasonal skating rink and outdoor marketplace displaying local art, events and talent. MGM Springfield is scheduled to open in Q3 2018.
MEDIA CONTACT
Joan Gravel
Director of Marketing & Communications
Springfield Technical Community College
(413) 755-4817
jegravel@stcc.edu
Chris Yurko
Media Relations Manager
Holyoke Community College
(413) 552-2259
cyurko@hcc.edu
Saverio Mancini
MGM Springfield
(413) 309-2113
smancini@mgmspringfield.com