Golden Gaming partners in culinary training program

Officials with Pahrump’s largest gaming employer want to provide career opportunities to southern Nevada individuals who are facing hard times.

Golden Gaming this month announced they are partnering with Las Vegas based Hospitality International Training (HIT) to help disenfranchised youths and adults become productive members of society.

The training is a six-week course that helps the participant gain customer service skills, proper work etiquette and line cook essentials for a high volume kitchen environment.

The Culinary Arts program teaches all aspects of food preparation for employment within the restaurant industry.

Training includes food selections; preparation, proper use of equipment as well as safety and proper handling of foods and equipment to prevent contamination.

Classes meet four hours per day, five days per week, followed by a two-week internship.

During the last two weeks of the course participants will be trained at a PT’s or Sierra Gold Tavern in Las Vegas or one of the three Golden Gaming casinos here.

The organization is dedicated to helping non-violent felons, incarcerated and homeless veterans as well as at-risk youth, ages 18-plus to learn skills in the culinary trade.

To date, there have been two graduating classes of 24 participants, nine of which have been hired and employed in Las Vegas and Pahrump in Golden Gaming taverns and casinos.

Joseph Romano, vice president of PT’s Entertainment Group said he is very pleased to be a partner with the HIT organization.

“As a Nevada-based company we cater to locals. HIT was a perfect fit to work with young and at-risk citizens of Las Vegas to help them be successful in their future. We look forward to a continued relationship with HIT and helping these participants strive in their new careers,” he said.

Dr. Thomas Peacock, Hospitality Industry Consultant of HIT has many years of experience in the private and public sector and academia.

Peacock, the vice president of Human Resources for the opening of the 3,700-room Mandalay Bay Hotel/Casino said the partnership shows how Golden Gaming strives to give back to the community they have been associated with for so long.

“Collaboration with local businesses has effectively placed our graduates in desirable positions and giving them a future. We are thrilled that Golden Gaming has partnered with HIT to help these individuals become outstanding citizens in the community. The way Golden Gaming has embraced the program and the treatment towards the participants has given them a confidence and a passion to be the best they can be,” he said.

For more information visit HIT at www.hospitalityinternationaltraining.com.