MGM and Polytechnic Institute celebrate first joint course for pit managers

A round 60 students of the Foundation of Casino Management Program (FCMP), a course co-organized by MGM and the Macau Polytechnic Institute (IPM) – Gaming Teaching and Research Center, graduated yesterday at a ceremony attended by MGM China’s CEO and executive director Grant Bowie, as well as the President of IPM, Professor Lei Heong Iok.
The course is designed to support casino pit managers through a range of training and career advancement programs. Over 260 MGM managers have completed the program since its inception in June 2015. Yesterday’s event celebrated the first graduating class’ successful completion of the course. A similar event has been planned in the near future for 60 more graduating pit managers.
“MGM is proud to offer our team members the best available training and resources so that they may reach their career aspirations and achieve greatness,” Grant Bowie said.
Addressing the graduates, Lei Heong Iok commented: “[The] Macau gaming industry has to enhance its adaptability and increase investment in diversification, as well as acquire and retain high-quality talent.”
“Together [IPM and MGM] we will strive so that when the next growth phase of the gaming industry comes you can be prepared to fly even higher with your career,” Lei added.
The graduation ceremony featured a video collage of course participants and some individual classes. Student representatives Danny Mui and Echo Chan took to the stage to share their experience of the program and what they had learned.
Students taking the course are required to complete a compulsory three-day Skills Enhancement and Development Program during normal working hours. Participants are instructed in “Theory and Common Knowledge of Table Games Management”; “Introduction to Management & Leadership and Roles”; “Responsibilities of Frontline Management”; and “Handling Conflicts & Stress Management.”
Participants must also complete a two-week theory course and a four-week shadowing program in specific roles, in order to improve customer service and skills in building rapport with management and subordinate staff. Staff reporter