The first day of CasinoBeats Malta Digital has put the Malta gaming employment market under the spotlight, with panellists this morning telling those that want to get into the sector to not be focused solely on gaining specific qualifications.
Omar Bitar, Senior HR Business Partner for The Stars Group, said: “Education does not equal competence. There’s a lot of position’s we have that are unique to the company. You don’t necessarily need a degree or diploma for a certain position. There’s not one specific qualification a person needs you need to be successful in gaming.
“Of course, a CFO needs specific financial qualifications, but all the different skills in gaming make it difficult for an education system to be ‘gaming friendly’. What we really need is an education system that supports the transfer of skills.”
Joining Bitar on a panel discussing how Malta is to address its skills shortage in gaming, Kinga Warda, Head of Information at the Malta Gaming Authority. Warda agreed that there are lots of gaming specific skills that are unable to obtain without on-the-job training.
“The dialogue between industry and education should be open”
– Kinga Warda, MGA
She continued: “But then there are many people out there who want to join the gaming industry – and those people need courses and workshops that can help them do that.
“It’s good for graduates to join gaming companies and then try some roles out, to learn about the business. Gaming companies do offer more internships and we need to see more of those. The dialogue between industry and education should be open.”
Bitar concurred: “Stronger relationships between industry and education providers on internships are important. It is the responsibility of the industry to help out here.”
Challenged by moderator Anna Wallenstein on how to get more young people into the gaming industry Anna Falzon, HR Manager at Blue Window, stressed that, for many, a number of the skills needed would be learned on the job, adding that candidates should “just go for it”.
“Just because you don’t have one specific requirement listed on the job description, don’t give up – apply anyway,” urged Falzon.
These thoughts were echoed by Steven Williams, Senior Manager – People and Change Advisory Services, at KPMG Malta, who commented: “One should look at the added value that one can bring over and beyond the technical side of a role.
“Technical ability can be taught but if you look for character and other important traits then, as an employer, you can have that person add value to your company long term. So yes, trust your gut, give it a shot.”
CasinoBeats Malta Digital, delivered in association with Gaming Malta, takes place from 30 June to 2 July 2020 and features 40 virtual exhibitors, numerous networking opportunities, 130 leading speakers, and countless business opportunities for 3,000 senior decision-makers from operators, suppliers, affiliates and other industry stakeholders.
Alongside the exhibition, networking and conference, all delegates also gain access to the full range of entertainment on offer, including free-play slots, daily competitions and a selection of prizes such as iPads and cash.
Find full details of CasinoBeats Malta Digital, including information about how to register and the discounts available on company group passes, at the event’s official website: https://sbcevents.com/casinobeats-malta-digital/