Career pathways program matches training to in-demand positions

Skilled trades continue to face labor shortages nationwide, according to Walmart, which announced a program “investing in long-term career pathways that help associates build new skills without taking on the financial burden often associated with changing careers.”  

The program is an expansion of Walmart’s Career Pathways program. As part of the multi-state program, Walmart is opening an Atlanta training hub at Tulsa Welding School on Columbia Drive in Decatur. The center is scheduled to open later this summer. 

The announcement said that Walmart’s expansion of its Associate-to-Technician program into the Atlanta market “creates another pathway for associates to build careers in the skilled trades while helping meet the growing demand for maintenance talent.” 

Walmart officials said that they opened the new Atlanta hub in the hope that it will help them reach their goal of enhancing the skills of 4,000 associates nationwide by 2030. Georgia will be the fourth state to have this program, as Walmart currently has hubs in Texas, Florida and Indiana, where 668 associates had completed Associate-to-Technician program as of June 1. 

The announcement said that participants receive hands-on instruction in OSHA safety, tool proficiency, troubleshooting, and foundational skills in HVAC, electrical, plumbing and automation—preparing them for careers that are essential to keeping Walmart’s stores and facilities operating. 

Walmart said that the programs build on its first pathway program, Associate to Driver, “which has helped more than 1,000 associates earn their commercial driver’s licenses while remaining employed and paid throughout training, with Walmart covering the cost of education, certification, and lodging,” the online description of the program states. 

Some Walmart stores have eyecare centers and through the company’s Associate to Optician program associates can receive the rigorous training and testing involved in becoming an optician. Opticians are eye care specialists who help patients choose the right eyeglasses or other vision corrective devices. They don’t diagnose or treat conditions of the eyes or vision; they work with the doctors who do. 

 “Through these opportunities, associates can develop new skills, reduce the cost of education, and transition into in-demand careers across healthcare, skilled trades and transportation,” according to the announcement. 

“By providing training and development at no cost to associates, Walmart is creating opportunities for economic mobility while strengthening its pipeline of skilled talent,” the announcement states. “The expansion reflects a growing trend among employers to invest in ‘earn-and-learn’ models that prepare workers for in-demand careers while they remain employed,” the announcement states.  

As part of the expansion, Walmart is also making what the company calls “a significant investment” in technician pay for store facility maintenance associates. For example, the pay range for a general maintenance technician will increase from $19 to $35 per hour and $26 to $51 per hour — approximately 40 percent higher. 

“Many of the skilled trades included in Walmart’s training program are among the fastest-growing occupations, including HVAC technicians and electricians,” according to company officials. 

The program is a response to a national pattern in which employers are facing growing demand for skilled technicians as the need for maintenance expertise continues to rise, the Walmart announcement said, citing U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures indicating that installation, maintenance, and repair occupations are projected to generate approximately 608,000 job openings each year over the next decade, driven by industry growth and workforce retirements.  

The Walmart website states that career development is part of the company’s business model, noting that 75 percent of its salaried managers started as hourly associates.  

“When we invest in helping associates build skills, earn credentials, and pursue new opportunities, we strengthen our business while creating pathways for people to build lasting careers,” Walmart’s website states.