Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer, has recently announced that it will be offering new training programs and certifications to fill high-demand roles across its business. This includes positions such as HVAC technicians, opticians, and software engineers. The retail giant is making this move in an effort to retain market share gains, particularly in the grocery department, during a period of high inflation.
In addition to the new training programs, Walmart is also offering another reason for hourly store workers to stick around: a bonus of up to $1,000 per year. This bonus aims to further incentivize employees to stay with the company and invest in their professional development within the organization. This move comes as Walmart faces stiff competition from online retail giant Amazon, which is continuously expanding its presence in the market.
Walmart has been investing heavily in its stores and its workforce in an effort to position itself as the nation’s top retailer. The company has raised its average hourly wage to nearly $18, which represents a 30% increase over the past five years. Furthermore, the starting pay in stores ranges from $14 to $19, depending on the location. This increase in wages is a step in the right direction, but Walmart still faces criticism for its overall compensation packages.
The new programs introduced by Walmart aim to give employees more ways to move into higher-paying roles within the company. The company is piloting a six-month training program in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for store and warehouse associates who wish to work in skilled trades. These technician roles for facilities maintenance, refrigeration, and HVAC offer salaries ranging from $19 to $45 per hour. Walmart’s chief talent officer, Lo Stomski, highlighted the success of a similar program for truck drivers, which has produced over 500 new drivers since its launch.
In addition to the training programs, Walmart has increased the number of skills certificates it offers to employees to more than 50, up from five in 2020. These certifications can help employees transition into salaried or leadership positions within the company’s stores, clubs, and supply chain facilities. On average, employees receive these certificates in just four months, providing them with the opportunity for professional growth and advancement within the organization.
This announcement from Walmart coincides with two major events for the company. Firstly, its shareholder meeting will be held virtually, showcasing the company’s commitment to transparency and investor relations. Secondly, Walmart’s annual associates celebration in its hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas is set to take place. This event serves as a pep rally and employee awards program, where thousands of workers from across the globe gather to celebrate their hard work and dedication to the company.
Overall, Walmart’s investment in training programs, certifications, and bonuses demonstrates its commitment to retaining top talent and fostering employee growth and development. By offering these incentives and opportunities for advancement, Walmart is positioning itself as a competitive employer in the retail industry.
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