Walmart Announces New Training Programs for Skilled Trades
Walmart will begin offering new training programs and certifications to fill high-demand roles across its business, such as HVAC technicians, opticians and software engineers, reports CNBC. The big-box retailer said it will also offer hourly store workers a bonus of up to $1,000 per year.
Walmart’s new programs give employees more ways to move into higher-paying jobs. The company is piloting a six-month training program in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with 100 store and warehouse associates who want to work in skilled trades, such as technician roles for facilities maintenance, refrigeration and HVAC.
Walmart said Wednesday that it’s also increased the number of skills certificates it offers to more than 50, up from five in 2020. The certifications can help employees move into salaried or leadership positions in stores, clubs and supply chain facilities.
Total Retail's Take: The competitive labor market shows no sign of slowing down for retailers, and Walmart is taking action. Its new training initiative was inspired by a similar program for another high-demand role: truck drivers. The associate-to-driver program has produced more than 500 new drivers since launching in spring 2022, according to the company. Walmart is continuing to increase investments in employee training and pay to improve retention rates and attract new workers.
Earlier this year, Walmart announced that store managers could earn more than $400,000 a year, including bonuses, as it began offering $20,000 worth of stock grants. The company said its average hourly wage is nearly $18, up by about 30 percent over the past five years. Walmart raised its minimum wage in January 2023.
The launch of new training programs for trade skills and store workers comes after Walmart cut hundreds of corporate jobs last month. It also announced relocation requirements to bring many employees to its Arkansas headquarters. Investments being made in hourly workers is part of Walmart's plan to develop its next group of store leaders.
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Kristina Stidham is the digital content director at Total Retail and sister brands Women in Retail Leadership Circle and Women Leading Travel & Hospitality at NAPCO Media. She is passionate about digital media and handles video, podcast and virtual event production for all brands. You can often find her at WIRLC, TR, WLT&H or industry events with her camera and podcasting equipment—or at home on Zoom—recording interviews with thought leaders and business executives.
Kristina holds a B.A. in Media Studies and Production from the Temple University Klein College of Media and Communication in Philadelphia. Go Owls! When she's not in the office, she loves to go on long walks, sing around the house, hangout with her family and two pet guinea pigs, and travel to new places.
