Skilled Trades Added to Walmart’s Education Programs

By Lauren White, RCS Reporter.

Walmart associates have access to Live Better U college program options starting on day one of their employment.

Between their 11,500 stores, Walmart employs over 2.2 million associates worldwide in 27 countries.  They also provide their part- and full-time associates with unique employment opportunities through their Live Better U education programs.  Recently, skilled trades and digital skills programs were added to their Live Better U (LBU) college program options.

Prior to COVID-19 and the current economic climate, Walmart recognized the economy was “going through a technology-fueled transformation with evolving consumer habits.”  In response to these trends, the company chose to focus on their associates by investing nearly $1 billion in bonuses for their U.S. associates and expanding the LBU education program offerings.

This program began in June 2018 with the sole purpose of supporting their working adult learners.  They do this by meeting associates where they are on their educational journey and by supporting them as they progress to degree completion.  These supportive elements include free student coaching, college credit for Walmart training and career pathways for LBU graduates.  Associates who participate in LBU earn a degree or certificate, in addition to a paycheck, without incurring crippling student debt.  

As the largest employer-based educational benefits program in the U.S., LBU has made an amazing impact in just two years.  Over 35,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club associates from all 50 states have benefitted from the education offerings.  Of those participating in a LBU program, the majority are female with an average age between 30 and 40.  Nearly 50% of associates who have engaged in a program are people of color.

“One of the most exciting aspects of LBU is that those enrolled have significantly higher retention rates in their jobs at Walmart. Promotion rates are double amongst those who engage in an LBU program,” said Julie Murphy, Executive Vice President of People of Walmart U.S.  For these reasons, Walmart has expanded LBU to offer all part- and full-time associates access to the program starting on their first day of employment at Walmart.  “Our goal in rolling back the eligibility date to the first day of employment is part of a strategy to engage associates on day one and identify these self-starters early in their Walmart careers,” Murphy said. 

Learners who partake in the skilled trades workforce certificates or digital certificates only pay one dollar a day.  “Research shows a strong correlation between some level of investment by individuals and education completion rates,” Walmart revealed.  Many of these programs only take one year or less to complete, which is appealing to learners’ desire to quickly gain skills and succeed in the fast-changing job landscape. 

According to a report by Strada Education and Lumina Foundation, certificates provide meaningful value in employment and personal satisfaction for American adults who don’t have a college degree.  This study also found that adults who have a certificate or certification and no college degree “report greater marketability, employment rates, incomes and happiness with their educational paths than adults without credentials.”

“With the cost of college tuition at an all-time high while 40 million people are out of work, the prospects of a college degree or a meaningful certificate are beyond the reach of a significant share of the American population. It is encouraging to see companies like Walmart stepping up and creating pathways for working adults to further their education and obtain credentials that will put them on a path to a meaningful and productive career,” stated Jaime Fall, Director of UpSkill America, an employer-led movement dedicated to expanding opportunities for workers in America and allowing the economy and our communities to prosper.  “...It’s important as a nation that more opportunities for advancement be made available to people who can’t otherwise afford them...” Jaime continued.

Due to retirement, turnover and a shift away from trade education in high schools, the U.S. is suffering from a skilled trades talent gap.  A study done by Deloitte found that the skills gap may leave an estimated 2.4 million jobs unfilled by 2028.  “We need new initiatives that provide greater access to skilled trades training in order to meet this workforce demand.  By providing education opportunities in the skilled trades, Walmart will help build a critical talent pipeline and introduce more individuals to a rewarding career in our industry,” said Eric P. Handley, Chief Operating Officer of William A. Randolph, Inc., a national commercial contractor firm. 

The future of work has been a national focus, especially now with the stay-at-home orders and the majority of people working remotely.  However, there has been less emphasis on “future-proof jobs” such as skilled trades.  “The current economic climate has only added urgency to the need for practical training and education opportunities for Americans, especially those who do not fit the historic profile of a fulltime student,” said Murphy.  “By adding both digital courses and skilled trades to our education benefit, associates have access to even more in-demand skills, so they can advance their careers, whether at Walmart or elsewhere.”

“The construction industry has a significant need for trained and skilled tradesmen and women and that demand will continue for many years.  Walmart’s Live Better U program will help train candidates to enter a field that has unlimited opportunity,” said Dave Mason, Sr. President of Tri State General Contractors.  “The carpenter training that I received at the beginning of my career created the foundation of knowledge that has helped me grow from an entry level apprentice carpenter to the president of our construction company.  Hats off to Walmart for helping provide their associates an opportunity to train and expand their individual opportunities.” 

Skilled trades

A skilled trade certificate earned through Walmart, provides associates with foundational knowledge necessary to start a career in the trades.  Walmart partnered with Penn Foster, a platform that provides online and blended learning opportunities, to provide the online courses for the skilled trades certificates.  Associates can earn certifications in one of these six fields: facilities maintenance, industrial maintenance, HVAC/refrigeration, electrical, plumbing and construction trades.  Once a workforce certificate is earned, Walmart will support their associates find an entry-level job either at Walmart or with a member of Walmart’s contractor network.  Associates are provided with experience, mentors and guidance through this on-the-job training, thus positioning them well for licensure in their trade later on, if required. 

“We’ve been thrilled to work alongside Walmart to help build what is now one of the largest education benefit programs in the U.S. and has empowered Walmart associates to advance their career, without student debt,” Rachel Carlson, CEO and Co-Founder of Guild Education said. “With the expansion into skilled trades and digital programs, Live Better U is helping its associates prepare to succeed in today’s accelerated future of work economy.”

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