Walmart is actively addressing the US skilled trades labor shortage by revamping its training programs to develop maintenance technicians, aiming to fill critical roles in its distribution centers and stores, amidst a broader industry challenge of declining skilled workers and increasing operational costs.
Walmart is introducing new perks for its hourly U.S. workers, including a performance-based bonus plan and opportunities to move into skilled trade jobs. The company aims to reduce worker turnover and address a competitive labor market by offering training programs in areas like facilities maintenance and HVAC, with jobs paying between $19 and $45 per hour. Walmart also plans to expand its skilled trades workforce and increase the number of skills certificates available to employees, helping them transition into higher-paying roles.
Walmart is introducing new perks for its U.S. hourly workers, including a performance-based bonus plan and opportunities to move into skilled trade jobs. The company aims to increase its skilled trades workforce from 450 to 2,000 in the next two years, with jobs paying between $19 and $45 per hour. Walmart's average hourly wage is now close to $18, and the company is also expanding its training programs to fast-track employees into higher-paying roles. These initiatives come as Walmart sees a decline in worker turnover and prepares for a virtual shareholders' meeting and a celebration event for its employees.
Walmart is enhancing its commitment to employees by launching new initiatives, including an Associate to Technician pipeline program, doubling skills certificates in Live Better U, introducing a new bonus for hourly store associates, and adding a Total Pay and Benefits feature in the Me@Walmart app. These efforts aim to improve compensation, career development, and overall well-being for Walmart associates.
Walmart is launching new training programs and certifications to fill high-demand roles such as HVAC technicians, opticians, and software engineers, while also offering bonuses up to $1,000 per year to retain hourly workers. The retailer aims to maintain its market leadership amid competition from Amazon and high inflation, with initiatives including higher wages, stock grants, and store upgrades. Despite these efforts, Walmart faces criticism for its wages, with median employee compensation falling below the poverty line for a family of four.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov and UK Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace discussed the continuation of training programs for Ukrainian military in the UK, with Ukrainian pilots now successfully using Storm Shadow missiles. Norwegian instructors are also guiding Ukrainian recruits in firing NLAWs to destroy enemy armored vehicles in close-range combat.