Through a partnership program between Nisqually Red Wind Casino and Tacoma Community College, 20 people graduated Dec. 16 prepared to advance within the tribal gaming industry.

The 14-credit Tribal Enterprise and Gaming Management Certificate program began drawing from all areas of the casino and the tribe when it began in January of 2008. Little Creek Casino and Lucky Eagle Casino also have people in the program.

Coursework provides an overview of casino operations and builds leadership and supervisory skills to enhance the skills of managers and assist them with getting a college education. The seven courses create a learning environment where knowledge is directly transferable within the casino and the community.

“The certificate program has become integrated into our corporate culture at Red Wind as a part of a career path to advancement,” said Sandy Crowell, Red Wind Training Manager. “An incoming employee will see the opportunities for training and development at each level, and the success of the program has put this squarely on the path.”

The program is built on the “Corporate College” model that TCC offers to businesses needing customized training to help their business and employees advance. Red Wind executives were seeking comprehensive and highly customized courses, covering all the major aspects of casino operations, for entry-level and front-line managers, so TCC developed the program.

“Red Wind and other tribal casinos have become very sophisticated businesses,” said Lisa Edwards, Dean of Corporate and Continuing Education at TCC, which developed and administers training programs for businesses. “Red Wind, like many companies, has committed to creating a learning culture as a key strategy in employee recruitment and retention. Offering on-site higher education can be a factor for prospective employees as they seek opportunities to advance within a company and weigh the amount of time they are willing to commit to work for a given company.”

A second cohort of 20 students is scheduled to graduate in June of 2009, with a third cohort beginning in July 2009. Every course is constructed to meet Red Wind’s operational goals and performance metrics. Instructors with industry experience and content expertise have been matched with each course, and many are native as well.

For additional information about the Corporate University program, contact Ron Asahara at (253) 460.4469 or rasahara@tacomacc.edu .