A group of people looking for work won the jackpot after going down to an open day at a casino in the heart of Bolton
This came when Grosvenor Casino on Omrod Street hired the nine candidates after taking part in a Sector Based Work Academy Programme.
The scheme was carried out with the Department for Work and Pensions in July this year and was designed to help get job seekers in the town back into work.
Casino Manager Paul Baines said: “The outcome of this SWAP is beyond anything I expected, and the calibre of trainees has been amazing.
“I had plans to expand the business to a 24-hour operation and wanted to increase the gaming team by five, which would cover the new business hours.
“After holding the SWAP open with the Job Centre, we’ve end up offering 11 participants employment, as croupiers and a poker dealer.
“The participants have given up three weeks of their own time to complete the SWAP training and during that time they’ve been supported and trained by our training manager, Steve Gibson who has done a fantastic job with them.
“We’ve already had individuals showing interest in promotion and wanting to join the management team.
“I’m really impressed with relationship we have with the Job Centre and this programme has enabled me to take the business to the next level.
“The quality of candidates and support from Steve and the ladies at the Job Centre has helped secure the future for Grosvenor in Bolton.”
An open day hosted by the casino attracted 44 job seekers, who were given a “a day in the life of a croupier” session and tried their hand at dealing a decks.
This was followed by a one-to-one interview and those successful went on to start training in their chosen field.
One successful participant was Mason Halligan, who started work at the casino as a trainee croupier in August.
He said: “My Grosvenor journey so far has been a delight. I feel as if I’ve won big every time I walk through the door and realise this is my job now.
“My trainer, Steve has been great, and I consider my training group as family.
“I can’t thank the job centre enough for the opportunity.”
Another new croupier who benefited from the scheme has been Karl Sherman.
He said: “At first, I wasn’t sure if this job was for me, but after pushing myself and doing the best I can, I have found employment in a lovely environment with amazing colleagues and feel that I’ve hit the jackpot!
“I’m thankful for this opportunity and hope to be the best croupier I can be.”
DWP spokesperson and employer adviser manager Melanie Yamm says she hopes there will be many more job seekers who will follow on in their footsteps.
She said: “Providing individual tailored support to jobseekers is a springboard to financial independence, and a route to building a better life for themselves and their family.
“Turning this aim into a reality is the role of every locally based jobcentre work coach.
“Underpinning this our employer partnership teams who continue to work with businesses to fill their vacancies, which in turn contributes to growing the economy.
“Our employer adviser team at the job centre works hard to bring a variety of local offers, we like to provide something for everyone.
“We have recently supported jobseekers with applications to join the DWP as administration officers and work coaches and we continue to hold our popular sector specific jobs fairs.
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“We have a variety of voluntary work experience opportunities set up with local charities and employers and see these as an excellent way of trying out working in a particular sector before committing to paid employment and these placements can make a significant difference to an individual’s confidence, work ethic and future job prospects.”
She added: “We are proud of our SWAP product and the relationship we have with Bolton employers.
“So far this year 192 Bolton jobseekers have completed the programme and have been offered jobs.
“In addition to Grosvenor, we regularly run our SWAP programme with Park Cakes, Warren’s Distribution and Go Northwest.”
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