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HOLLYWOOD (CBS4) ―
Casino-style gambling has taken off in South Florida. From cards to slot-machines, race tracks and casinos all are taking in more money than ever. With the rise in gambling, the industry says there will be even more jobs to fill.
Since the summer when about 25 students first enrolled in South Florida's first gaming repair technician training program at the Sheridan Technical Center, classes have expanded.
They get to prepare themselves for entry-level slot technician positions, learning how to fix electronic equipment at casinos and race tracks.
The nine-week program is available to students new to the industry or those just looking to upgrade their skills. It's also another option for students in the computer repair technology field.
Kim Curry of the Sheridan Technical Center explained to CBS4 Reporter Jim Berry, "For so many people changing their jobs, this is a nice transition whether they have an electronics background, a computer background."
The class has educational value but it's really about money. Students are hoping to hit the jackpot in the job market by learning these machines inside and out.
Mike Sweeney, who worked for BellSouth, explained "I worked for 27 years. I retired, and I have been watching my 401K shrink, and I have three kids in college."
Alfredo Martinez worked in the construction industry, but as jobs were shed, he found it necessary to look for another type of work.
The school hopes to prepare people for jobs that can pay $18 an hour or more.
Officials in the gaming industry support the training course, since it broadens the educated work force to choose from, and they say the jobs will be there.
Broward County voters passed a bill in 2004 allowing local dog and horse racetrack owners to offer slot machine gaming. Once that bill was passed, classes preparing students for casino-based jobs began opening up across the state.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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