Time is running out to enroll in table dealer classes in Petersburg

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- According to projections from city leaders, we're just a few months away from the opening of the Live! Casino site in Petersburg.

It's a project that promises to bring 7,500 jobs to the city, and a program at Richard Bland College (RBC) next week is teaching the skills necessary to fill the over 100 table dealer positions.

The Dealer Institute at RBC is in partnership with Live! Virginia, and is a tuition-free 12-week course where you can learn how to deal many casino table games.

The director of table games for Virginia Live! said when the temporary casino opens this year, he's looking to hire around 175 table dealers. Many of those could come from these classes.

"The school will be a very hands-on learning experience," said Director Brian Dwaileebe. "It's not something you can just take home and read and get. You're in the trenches every single day actually dealing."

Classes begin Monday, Sept. 8, with sessions from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 2 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 11 p.m.

Over a hundred people have enrolled, and sign up is still open, Dwaileebe said. But not for long. Those interested should go to 3333 South Crater Rd., Suite 4A, in Petersburg from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Saturday.

Every enrollee will have to take a math exam and purchase a $50 blackjack kit.

While taking the classes doesn't guarantee a job at the casino, Dwaileebe said it will teach skills that can take you to any gaming facility, and open the door to a new career.

"I started as a dealer in 2012," Dwaileebe said. "I worked my way up the ladder. This is an opportunity for people that I believe they should jump on, because it can change their life. It can turn a job into a career, and for me, that's exactly what it's been."

You can find more information about the dealer institute here.