Walmart: Elevating Careers with Live Better U

Walmart has updated its 'Live Better U' education benefit program, placing a stronger emphasis on developing in-demand skills to boost associates' employability as job roles evolve in response to digitalization. This shift underscores Walmart's dedication to internal development and a skill-centric hiring strategy, aligning proactively with the evolving workforce demands.

The revamped program aims to establish accessible pathways for associates to secure higher-paying, higher-skilled positions within the company. In line with this objective, Walmart is doubling the number of short certificate options, financially supporting a broader array of educational opportunities. Lorraine Stomski, Senior Vice President of Associate Learning and Leadership, Walmart, succinctly articulated the purpose, stating: 

"Our goal is to expedite the progression of Walmart and Sam’s Club associates into approximately 100,000 in-demand jobs anticipated to be filled over the next three years."

This comprehensive initiative encompasses a diverse range of about 100,000 positions, spanning from salaried management to hourly supervision roles within stores and supply chain facilities. The training programs will prioritize the development of skills relevant to various positions, including technology, health, and wellness, with a particular focus on the company's private fleet of truck drivers, as they are responsible for maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of Walmart's supply chain. 

The company’s new educational approach emphasizes skills-based hiring, leading to the removal of degree requirements for various roles. Instead, the company is offering certificates covering critical skills such as front-line manager leadership, people and business leadership, data science, software development, and project management.

Stomski expressed hope that other employers would follow suit in the coming years, stating: "It [i]s good for business, life-changing for associates and true to Walmart’s longstanding culture of growing our own, promoting from within, and preparing them for the future of work."

In 2023, the company invested in its workforce by introducing a virtual financial literacy course. This course aimed to equip learners with essential skills for effective financial management, delivering vital personal finance knowledge through self-paced modules on budgeting, saving, consumer credit, financial goals, loans, debt, insurance, investments, scam prevention, and taxes.

Overall, these strategic shifts align with a broader trend in the evolving workforce landscape, emphasizing upskilling and development. According to a LinkedIn report, prioritizing skill-building and career development significantly increases internal mobility. 

Walmart's move also resonates with the 2024 priorities highlighted in a Symphony Talent survey, where building a talent pipeline takes precedence. Employee referral programs, internal career sites, and employee development programs are cited as effective means toward achieving this objective.