A report to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission estimates the state will need to establish a labor pool of 30,000 candidates to fill approximately 10,000 jobs in the new casino industry. WAMC”s Paul Tuthill reports.
The report prepared by the state’s community colleges and various workforce development agencies urges the gaming industry regulators in Massachusetts to take a proactive approach to workforce development. Holyoke Community College president William Messner says if Massachusetts does not train the workers the gaming industry needs the casinos will go out of state to hire.
The gaming commission must establish basic requirements for all casino workers, and create a license for the actual gaming jobs. Its estimated that of the ten thousand casino jobs, four thousand will require a license. The report puts the cost of work force development for the casino industry at $10 million.
