ATLANTIC CITY, August 26, 2008 – Today Commissioner David J. Socolow of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development awarded a state training grant to upgrade the workplace skills of workers at nine Atlantic City casinos, with training funds totaling more than $1 million.  This Corzine Administration initiative has established a collaboration among the state Labor Department, Atlantic Cape Community College, and the Atlantic City Casino Consortium (comprised of Trump Properties, Harrah’s Entertainment, Borgata, and Tropicana) to develop a customized training program for each of the casinos in the consortium.

“This Customized Training Grant is a part of Governor Corzine’s commitment to investing in the skills of the world-class workforce in Atlantic City and across the state through public-private partnerships,” said Commissioner Socolow.  “Governor Corzine and his administration are committed to building our economy by developing the talents and skills of New Jersey’s workers.  This investment in our workforce will help to attract new private-sector investment to make Atlantic City a premiere destination resort.”

Atlantic Cape Community College will train nearly 2,700 casino workers using the $481,950 training grant in courses that include culinary arts, PC skills, office supervision and management, computer maintenance technology, card dealer, general finance, electromechanical technology, and customer service skills.  The casinos in the consortium will match the state training grant with $654,493 of their own resources.

Joining Commissioner Socolow for the ceremonial check presentation were Atlantic Cape Community College officials and representatives from the casino consortium.

Dr. Peter L. Mora, Atlantic Cape Community College president, said, "The casino training consortium's success demonstrates the shared commitment of the State Department of Labor, the community college sector, and the New Jersey casino industry to foster workforce development and economic growth in the southern region of the state. As training providers, Atlantic Cape Community College continues to play a key role in fostering a competitive edge for New Jersey's hospitality industry.”

Customized training grants are matching grants awarded to New Jersey businesses to provide training to the company’s workforce in skills specifically needed to increase productivity and marketability.  The grants, awarded through the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, are funded through the Workforce Development Partnership Program.

For more information about competitive customized training grants or literacy grants call (609) 633-6799 or go to  http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/employer/training/incentives_training_index.html.

Click to view photos of the event 

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