Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1219206
iGAMING maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 MARCH 2020 12 Investing in skills: EU scheme funds training for iGaming employers By Rikke Schjonberg Training Manager, iGaming Academy WHEN you run an iGaming business, your most important investment is in your people. Ensuring your employees are fully con- versant with the most relevant skills and trends in the industry serves a dual pur- pose. Staff who receive such training feel valued, which in turn boosts their sense of loyalty. At the same time, their en- hanced skills will increase their efficien- cy, which has a positive impact on your bottom line. So it is very good news that courses offered by iGaming Academy, Malta's leading provider of training for iGaming businesses, are now eligible for the "In- vesting in Skills" funding scheme. This is an EU initiative that offers up to 100% reimbursement for iGaming Academy's training sessions. Why is staff training necessary? There is a very clear need for staff train- ing in the iGaming sector in Malta. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) pub- lished a report on the skills gap in the in- dustry in January, and its most significant conclusion was that investing in your employees and their abilities is essential to drive staff retention. The most recent figures available show that online gaming companies in Malta reported a total of 730 unfilled positions at the end of 2018. At the same time, 35% of firms engage in in-house training or mentoring to tackle skill shortages – which means almost two-thirds do not. Steps have been taken already to address the issue. In 2017, the European Gaming Institute of Malta (EGIM) was launched following an agreement between MGA and Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). The following year, 56 students applied for the iGaming Diploma at MCAST and in 2019, 21 students were selected and matched with seven companies through Gaming Malta's student placement pro- gramme. Indeed, most companies sur- veyed last year said they were satisfied by the training available in Malta. But Peter Spiteri, the MGA's chief of- ficer of finance and programme manage- ment, said when the authority's report was issued in January that it "indicates there is significant potential for the lo- cal education system to contribute in addressing the continuous thirst of the industry for a skilled workforce". How can "Investing in Skills" help? "Investing in Skills" is an EU funding scheme with a budget of €5million, avail- able until June 2023 and managed by Job- splus in Malta. It was launched to pro- mote investment in people and increase their productivity and versatility. The scheme is open to companies reg- istered in Malta and their employees, or those registered as an employee by Job- splus. If that describes your organisation, you can claim substantial reimbursements for training booked through iGaming Academy. What training is available – and how does the funding work? A broad selection of iGaming Acade- my's training courses is covered by the scheme. That includes sessions cover- ing key areas of iGaming expertise such as Online Casino Management, Online Sportsbook Management, Digital Mar- keting and Anti-Fraud & Payments Han- dling. To complement the breadth of subjects available, there is also a choice in the way the training is delivered. We can offer classroom, masterclass and eLearning options, as well as bespoke courses for up to 15 employees. The level of funding available from the EU scheme depends on the size of your company and the content of the course. • You could receive 100% funding for the Award in iGaming. This is a fully ac- credited qualification that was cited by the MGA in its study in January and is extremely popular with people who take the course. Sessions run throughout the year, with the next scheduled in April. • Companies can get up to 70% off Online Casino Management and Online Sportsbook Management, courses that are ideal for entry-level and middle-rank- ing staff who want an understanding of how a business functions in these areas. • Up to 40% can be taken off the cost of tuition in CRM, Anti-Fraud & Payments Handling and Digital Marketing, which suit employees who are keen to move in- to more specialised roles. Applications for funding must be sub- mitted to Jobsplus at least 21 days before the training begins. How can you find out more? If you run an iGaming business in Mal- ta, contact iGaming Academy today to arrange a meeting or a phone call to dis- cuss "Investing in Skills". We'll conduct a preliminary assessment to advise what level of assistance your business may be eligible to receive and the training that is available. If you are an employee interested in de- veloping your skills and your career, we advise that you urge your company to enquire today about the training that is ideal for you. Learn more and contact us at http://ig- academy.com/skills Online gaming companies in Malta reported a total of 730 unfilled positions at the end of 2018. At the same time, 35% of firms engage in in-house training or mentoring to tackle skill shortages – which means almost two- thirds do not