Electronics Technician grad keeps the games going at Winnipeg casinos
Most people go to the casino hoping to outsmart the machines. Angela Alexander? She’s the one keeping them in the game.
As a gaming technician with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, MITT Electronics Technician grad Angela is part of the behind-the-scenes team that keeps thousands of digital slot machines, as well as automated table games equipment, countroom equipment, bank equipment, redemption kiosks, ATM’s, and more up and running across Club Regent Casino, McPhillips Street Station Casino, and the Shark Club.
Between the three locations, there are more than 2,300 digital slot machines, featuring 70 different models from 11 manufacturers. Yes, that’s just the count of the slot machines.
In other words, there are a lot of machines to know. Thankfully for Angela and the gaming technician team, they come with manuals. Unfortunately, those manuals are not exactly light reading.
“These digital slot machines arrive completely blank, and we wire them from the ground up, sync the screens together, and space the machines properly for guests.”
Despite the challenges, those installations are among Angela’s favourite projects. But when she’s not setting up the latest and greatest slot machine, she’s keeping the countless other ones running so guests can take another spin…or two, or 20.
“Any time there’s an issue with a machine, we get called on the radio, and we head there right away so that guests aren’t waiting. We work with a lot of other departments to ensure we give the guests the best experience we can.”
Angela has come a long way in her knowledge and confidence with the electronics she encounters, but unlike the slot machines she works on, that hasn’t been a result of luck.
When she entered the Electronics Technician program at MITT, she didn’t have much experience, just an interest and willingness to learn and work hard.
“It felt like everyone else in the program had a lot more background knowledge in electronics than I did. At the start of the year, I asked our instructor if there was anything I could do to catch up. That took a lot of late nights of studying, but by the end of the year, I had caught up and had the skills and know-how needed for my career.”
It wasn’t just her instructors who believed in her. She found support from the Career and Employment Services team, who helped her land the job she dreamed of.
“I specifically asked for a work placement at Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, and I’m glad I did. The Career team was happy to make the connection, and MBLL welcomed me with open arms for my placement. That inviting work atmosphere has been consistent throughout my time here.”
MBLL didn’t waste time hiring Angela when an opportunity opened. Only six months after completing her placement, she was hired as a casual employee before securing a full-time gig.
Angela didn’t leave her future to chance. She studied, trained, asked for what she wanted, and made it happen. We’d call that a win.
Get your career in electronics rolling by exploring our Electronics Technician program today.