Walmart rolls out new training programs for skilled trades as it tries to fill high-demand roles

4 comments

1. “on Wednesday said it will offer new training programs and certifications to fill high-demand roles across its business, such as HVAC technicians, opticians and software engineers.

   The big-box retailer said it will also offer another reason for hourly store workers to stick around: a bonus of up to $1,000 per year.

   Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer, has been investing in its stores and its workforce as it tries to hang on to the title of the nation’s top retailer.

   The company’s total annual compensation for the median employee was $27,642 in the most recent fiscal year,

   according to the company’s 2024 proxy report. For a family of four people, that falls below the poverty line of $31,200, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

   That compares with the median compensation of $26,696 at Target and $36,274 at Amazon,

   according to those companies’ most recent proxy reports. Those calculations include part- and full-time workers.

   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. Those skilled trade jobs pay between $19 and $45 per
   hour, said Lo Stomski, the company’s chief talent officer.

   The certifications can help employees move into salaried or leadership positions in stores, clubs and supply chain facilities. On average, employees receive the certificates in four months, Stomski said.”

2. Walmart…skilled trades?

   Anyone care to shed a light on what kind of skilled trades Walmart needs at its stores? Or we talking about Walmart corporate?

   I know Walmart supercenter has mechanics for the oil change and repairs but that’s already with a trade.

   Then you got the deli section but those are people with trade already as they’re cooks or butchers

   Then you got the bakery but they’re already bakers.

   Theu already hired pharmacists and pharmacy techs that are trained.

   HVAC technician? Don’t Walmart subcontract out to contractor that maintain their stores on a location basis? I didn’t know they hired in house maintenance

   So what other trade we talking about here? Every store as the managers and admin people but how many are at the store vs the retail clerks?

3. Welcome to Costco.. I love you.

4. More on this subject from other reputable sources:

   —
   – Reuters (A): [Walmart to pay US hourly store workers bonuses](https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/walmart-pay-us-hourly-store-workers-bonuses-first-time-ever-2024-06-05/)
   – Washington Post (B): [Walmart says hourly workers in U.S. now eligible for bonuses](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/06/05/walmart-bonus-hourly-worker/)
   – CNN.com (C+): [Walmart starts bonus program for hourly workers](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/05/business/walmart-hourly-worker-bonuses/)
   – Business Insider (B-): [Walmart gives US workers new bonuses that go up over time](https://www.businessinsider.com/walmart-bonuses-hourly-workers-skills-training-2024-6)

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