Spring Has Sprung – What’s New at the TAM® Office

TAM CardSpring has sprung in Las Vegas, and as we go into a new season, we’d like to take the opportunity to let you know what we’re up to at the TAM® office. We’re keeping busy with our regularly scheduled online and classroom courses, along with a handful of other special events. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s new and exciting:

  • TAM® Card classes are available across Nevada. In addition to online and classroom-based TAM® class offerings six days a week at our Las Vegas office, we are also offering classes and online exam proctoring in Mesquite at the Virgin River Hotel and Casino on the third Wednesday of every month. Proctoring for online students is also available in Laughlin every Thursday from 8:30am-12:00pm at the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce building in the Manpower office. Proctoring for online students is also available in the Reno/Sparks area by appointment. For more information on the schedule, visit our website.
  • Spanish classes are offered at our Las Vegas office. TAM® classes are offered in Spanish on the third Thursday of every month at 9:00am. Students are asked to arrive at 8:30am to register for their class. Additionally, with our classroom-based training option, we offer students the opportunity to complete their final exam in English, Spanish, Arabic, Tagalog, or Korean. Students with English as a Second Language can focus on what they have learned without the additional hurdle of English literacy.

Additionally, here are some general reminders and answers to common questions from our students:

  • Walk-ins for TAM® classes are always welcome at our Las Vegas office, but sometimes our classes do fill up, so make sure to arrive 15 minutes before class starts!
  • If you’re looking for our building, we’re located at 3900 Paradise Road, Ste. 205. You’ll find us in the office building at the Park shopping plaza on Paradise Road, between Flamingo and Twain. You can find our building directly behind the Citibank.
  • Our office is easily accessible by public transportation. Bus stop #108 lets passengers off right across the street! If you are driving, convenient parking for students is available on the side and rear of the building. Handicap parking is available in the rear of the building, and elevator access is available. Parking in the front of the building is limited-time parking only.

For answers to more frequently asked questions, check out our blog post, “Have Questions About Your TAM Card? We’ve Got Answers!” We look forward to seeing you at our office this season.

Job Hunting: 4 Tips for Finding Hospitality Jobs in Las Vegas

hospitality-jobs-marketWe all know the job market for hospitality workers is competitive. However, companies across southern Nevada are always advertising new positions, and there are some great opportunities are out there for motivated job seekers. For example, new Las Vegas property SLS Las Vegas announced this week that they are hiring 300 hotel, restaurant and finance positions this month, with 2,500 more positions to open up in the spring (Vegas News). This is exciting news for Las Vegas locals and just the tip of the iceberg in terms of opportunities for TAM® Card holders. Are you looking for a new career? Here are some tips to help you on your job search:

  1. Identify companies you would like to work for. It’s not enough to check job listing websites and hope to find an opportunity. Make a list of companies or local properties you would be interested in working for, and connect with them directly. Las Vegas hotels, clubs and casinos are great about posting information on job openings and hiring fairs on their websites and social media channels. Staying connected with local properties will give you a heads up as soon as open positions are announced.
  2. In an effort to help hardworking TAM® Card holders connect with local employers, we keep an up-to-date job posting board at our official training center on Paradise Road. When you come in for an alcohol awareness class or proctored exam, make sure you check out our job board near the reception desk. We keep in touch with properties all over town and try to keep our students informed about any available positions for hospitality and service professionals. You may find a listing that would be a great fit for you.
  3. Visit job fairs to meet with potential employers face-to-face and make a great impression. TAM® students receive the best alcohol awareness training possible, and employers know it. By attending job fairs, you can sell yourself, and your skills, to employers, and network with representatives from several companies in one setting. You never know who you’ll run into; TAM® of Nevada Manger Sherry Cummings attended a Diversity Career Fair at the Palms Casino and Resort in mid-February to meet with local companies and TAM® Card holders. If you see us at a local event, remember to say hello!
  4. Be prepared for an interview and any next steps. So you’ve obtained your TAM® Card, performed a job search, and now have an interview lined up… your work still isn’t done. You’ll need to impress hiring managers with your personality, attitude and work ethic. For tips on how to ace an interview, check out our blog post, “Come Prepared and Ace Your Next Hospitality Industry Job Interview.”

Searching for a great position can be a challenging process, but having the right tools to help you get started can greatly boost your chances of success. What tips would you give to job seekers for finding a hospitality or service position in Las Vegas?

Resources

SLS Las Vegas Now Hiring 300 Hotel, Restaurant and Finance Leadership Positions – VegasNews.com

© 2014 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

It’s Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos. What Are Your Plans for Super Bowl Sunday?

fanswatchinggameIt’s that time of year again; Super Bowl XLVIII is scheduled for this Sunday! If you aren’t working and are looking for a place to watch the game, there are plenty of options and places to join the party all over Las Vegas. It doesn’t matter which team you’re rooting for, if you prefer snacks and a pint at the pub, or cheering loud with the casino crowd, there’s something out there for everyone. Check out this extensive list of parties all over town, provided by Vegas Chatter.

If you’re working during the big game, remember to be extra careful in checking identification, and in observing customers. Special events like the Super Bowl can lead to high energy levels, increased excitement and celebration, and sometimes overindulgence. For a list of ways to focus on responsible service, refer to our blog post, “Are You Doing All You Can to Help Prevent Drunk Driving?

As a reminder, if you need to renew your TAM® Card before Sunday, our office offers TAM® classes and exam proctoring six days a week. Register on our website or visit our new office fifteen minutes before the start of class to register at the door, walk-ins are always welcome!

Remember, kick-off time this Sunday will be at approximately 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Where are you going to watch the game? If you’re working, is your establishment doing anything special for the day?

© 2014 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

Happy Holidays from TAM of Nevada – Holiday Hours at the TAM® Office

Happy holidays decorationLas Vegas is a city that knows how to throw a party. Bars and restaurants are preparing for weeks of festive holidays promotions, company holiday parties, and an influx of visitors. With everyone getting revved up for the big holiday parties, what does that mean to you as a TAM® Card holder? You need to be prepared. Be extra vigilant in checking identification and observing guests. Also, make sure your TAM® Card isn’t about to expire.

If you need to renew your card prior to the start of the New Year, check out our holiday schedule below to find a class that works for your schedule. Don’t delay; make sure you are able to obtain your card in time. Remember, we also offer exam proctoring for online students six days a week.

  • Wednesday 12/18 – Last Mesquite class of 2013 will be held at the Virgin River Hotel Casino at 8:00am.
  • Thursday 12/19 – Open 8:30am-5:00pm. Last Spanish class of 2013 will be held at 9:00am.
  • Tuesday 12/24 and Wednesday 12/25 – CLOSED.
  • Thursday 12/26 – Open 8:30am-5:00pm. Class at 9:00am only.
  • Friday 12/27– Open 8:30am-5:00pm. Classes at 9:00am and 2:00pm.
  • Saturday 12/28 – Open 8:30am-5:00pm. Class at 9:00am only.
  • Monday 12/30 – Open 8:30am-5:00pm. Classes at 9:00am and 2:00pm.
  • Tuesday 12/31 – Open 8:30am-5:00pm. Open lab day.
  • Wednesday 1/1 and Thursday 1/2 –CLOSED. We will reopen for normal business hours beginning Friday, January 3rd at 8:30am.

TAM® of Nevada wants to wish all of our students a safe and happy holiday season and New Year!