Hollywood Casino hires first batch of employees
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Messenger photos by Sean V. Lehosit |
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The first batch of applicants are greeted by Hollywood Casino staff on April 30. Casino officials will interview more than 600 people from the 15,000 applications Penn National has received. |
During the first week of May more than 600 applicants auditioned for jobs at Hollywood Casino.
For two years residents have waited for an opportunity to work at the casino. Penn National looked over approximately 15,000 applications, General Manager Ameet Patel said.
Patel said the hiring process would not be an unpleasant experience. There would be no long lines or waiting by the phone for an answer.
Around 800 individuals would be offered jobs on the spot. The job offers are contingent on the completion of dealer school and being licensed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
Dealer school is scheduled to begin at Hondros College in June. Flexible class hours will be offered to fit all schedules. Tutition is $200 per class and is reimbursed to employees after completion of the program.
“We know that many of you have been unemployed for a long period of time and we want to help you remove that obstacle,” said Suzanne Coleman-Tolbert, president and CEO of the Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation (COWIC).
The COWIC partnered with three area colleges to help train casino workers and provide financial assistance.
Coleman-Tolbert said more than 800 Westside residents requested job training information be mailed to them.
Some individuals are employed but are looking for a position with increased pay, more benefits and a better promise of a future.
The first batch of applicants came from all over Franklin County and central Ohio.
Applicant George Smith said he was always told the best way to make money is to be where it is being made.
Sara Ward, a lifelong resident of the Westside, said there is no place to move within her current company. She wants to be a poker dealer and said this job would mean an income and benefits that would help her family.
Many applicants said they were relaxed during the panel interviews. Instead of being drilled with a torrent of questions, they were called to showcase their personality and people skills.
Hollywood Casino is scheduled to open around autumn 2012. They plan to hire a total of 2,000 employees and estimate 3 million visitors per year.
For job opportunities visit www.hollywoodcolumbus.com.