Gun Lake Casino and Grand Rapids Community College have partnered up to launch a new Blackjack Dealer Academy. The goal is to provide a learning opportunity for jobs available at the casino. On September 18th, an information session will be hosted to provide information on the Blackjack academy Certification. The event will take place at the Leslie E Tassell M-TEC.

The Program:

Students who take part in the new academy will gain certification with a guaranteed position with the casino after passing an audition and obtaining a gaming license. According to a press release on the new offering, casino representatives contacted the college to bring a training program to Grand Rapids.

The casino currently offers on-site training for free at the casino for dealers. This training will continue along with the new training option at the community college.

According to mlive.com…

Gun Lake Casino vice president and general manager, Jose Flores, commented on the new program by stating: “We have partnered with GRCC to provide another training avenue to support our local communities with employment opportunities.

Table Games Dealers are one of the higher profile positions in the gaming industry and we are looking to support second and third shift business volumes with these additional dealers.’’

Program Details:

Students who take part in the new Blackjack program must be 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent to train for certification. The class is $25 per student with the casino covering the majority of the training cost.

The college will offer two class options. The first is 6 to 10 pm on Thursday and Friday for six weeks. Or students can choose to take a Friday and Saturday class from 9 to 3pm for a five week time frame.

Once hired, employees can expect to earn an average of $18 to $22 per hour. The amount includes base pay plus tips.