As part of its drive to increase wages and provide more career opportunities for its employees, Walmart has partnered with online learning platform Springboard to offer upskilling and reskilling programs tailored to its Live Better U offering. The companies aim to equip Walmart and Sam’s Club employees with the necessary skills to excel in data and tech careers.
Courses available to Walmart and Sam’s Club employees through Springboard for Business include data analytics, software development, and data-driven strategic thinking. The learning company’s business platform focuses on employee development at Fortune 500 companies through unique, cohort-based, people-led programs that combine one-on-one mentorship with live and instructor-led sessions.
“Walmart is a leader in career-driven development and we are excited to partner with them to provide quality education for their employees,” said Gautam Tambay, CEO and co-founder of Springboard. “Walmart and Springboard are both committed to ensuring that non-traditional students, regardless of background, can build in-demand skills — helping them find new career paths, grow their earnings, and increase their economic security.”
[Read more: Walmart, Salesforce bring fulfillment, delivery services to other retailers]
Continued Tambay: “Springboard graduates have earned more than $1 billion in postgraduate salary since 2016, and this partnership will help us accelerate and expand that impact, which is especially important in the current economic climate.”
Walmart pays 100% of Springboard tuition for its enrolled employees, who Springboard says will receive hands-on experience and guidance in solving real-world problems through company-specific projects.
“We are creating a path of opportunity for our employees to grow their careers at Walmart so they can continue to build better lives for themselves and their families,” said Lorraine Stomski, SVP of associate learning and leadership at Walmart. “We are thrilled to add Springboard to our list of education partners.”
[Read more: Walmart to raise wages, offer other incentives for associates]
John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart US, revealed new investments in store employees in a blog post published in January. Employee wages were increased in February, and investments were also made in the employees who operate Walmart’s Auto Care Centers.
Each week, approximately 230 million customers and members visit Walmart’s more than 10,500 stores and numerous e-commerce websites under 46 banners in 24 countries. It in Bentonville, Ark. established company has approximately 2.3 million employees worldwide.
This story originally appeared on Progressive Grocer.