Walmart is looking for new staff to fill jobs in data analytics, software development, and data-driving strategic thinking. Now Amazon has partnered with Springboard to train its store associates to fill these roles.
The program will run through Walmart’s Live Better U™ Program. It offers free education for Walmart associates and will be powered by Springboard. Walmarts upskilling and reskilling programs are available to 1.5 million Walmart and Sam’s Club associates in the United States.
“Walmart is a leader in career-driven development and we are thrilled to partner with them to deliver high quality education to their associates,” said Gautam Tambay, CEO and co-founder of Springboard. “Walmart and Springboard are both committed to ensuring that non-traditional students, regardless of their background, can build in-demand skill sets — helping them find new career paths, grow their earnings, and increase their economic security.”
“We’re creating a path of opportunity for our associates 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’re excited to add Springboard to our list of education partners.”
Walmart employees will be able to use Springboard to become certified in three areas:
- Data Analytics focuses on technical data skills, including connecting data in SQL and visualizing data using Python, paired with critical problem-solving and communication skills that transform data into performance-driven results.
- Software Development covers key aspects of front-end development, including HTML, CSS and Javascript, while applying skills to real-world, self-designed projects for a standout portfolio.
- Data Driven Strategic Thinking has been uniquely developed for large enterprise partners and covers data literacy, strategic thinking and influential communication skills, so graduates can solve business problems faster with long-term, data-driven nimbleness.
So far, over 89,000 Walmart employees have participated, and 15,000 Walmart associates have graduated the program. Walmart says the program has saved employees $333 million in college tuition costs so far.
Walmart hopes by training from within they can quickly promote employees to high-paying jobs filling needs within Walmart.