In an effort to fill high-demand roles across its business, Walmart recently announced that it will be offering new training programs and certifications for positions such as HVAC technicians, opticians, and software engineers. This move is part of Walmart’s strategy to retain market share gains and stay ahead of competitors like Amazon, particularly in the grocery department during a period of high inflation. The big-box retailer is also providing hourly store workers with an additional incentive to stick around by offering a bonus of up to $1,000 per year.
Walmart, known as the largest private employer in the nation, has been making significant investments in its stores and workforce. The company recently announced a $9 billion project to upgrade and modernize over 1,400 of its stores, representing more than a quarter of its total store count. Additionally, Walmart has increased its average hourly wage to nearly $18, which is up by about 30% over the past five years. The starting pay in stores ranges from $14 to $19, depending on the location.
Despite these efforts, Walmart still faces criticism for its wages. The company’s total annual compensation for the median employee was reported to be $27,642 in the most recent fiscal year, falling below the poverty line for a family of four. Comparatively, Target and Amazon have higher median compensation for their employees. Walmart’s minimum wage was raised in January 2023, but the company continues to receive backlash for its wage practices.
Walmart’s new training programs aim to provide employees with more opportunities to move into higher-paying jobs. One of the initiatives includes a six-month training program in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for store and warehouse associates interested in skilled trades like technician roles for facilities maintenance, refrigeration, and HVAC. These skilled trade jobs offer competitive pay ranging from $19 to $45 per hour. Walmart is also expanding its number of skills certificates to over 50, which can help employees transition into salaried or leadership positions in various areas of the company.
As Walmart continues to invest in its workforce and store upgrades, the company’s focus remains on employee development and retention. By providing training programs, certifications, and bonuses, Walmart aims to create a more skilled and motivated workforce. This week’s announcement coincides with Walmart’s upcoming shareholder meeting and annual associates celebration, where the company recognizes and celebrates its employees’ achievements.
Walmart’s expansion of training programs and bonuses demonstrates its commitment to investing in its employees and staying competitive in the retail industry. The initiatives to provide more opportunities for career advancement and higher pay reflect Walmart’s efforts to address criticism regarding its wages and compensation practices. By focusing on employee development and retention, Walmart aims to strengthen its position as a top retailer and continue to drive growth in the industry.