Walmart knows some of the best careers start from the ground up — no college degree required. In fact, 75% of our salaried U.S. store, club and supply chain managers began as hourly associates before building new skills and taking on greater responsibility to make a bigger impact — and a bigger paycheck.
Our skills-first approach is backed by the Walmart Academy, one of the nation’s largest private-employer training programs. Through the Academy, associates develop in-demand expertise in skills such as customer service fundamentals, leadership development and advanced technical certifications, unlocking pathways to meaningful, long-term careers with the company.
Today we’re taking three big steps forward to ensure qualified associates fill critical roles and deliver the service customers expect:
- Piloting an AI-powered interview coach to help candidates shine.
- Expanding our Associate to Technician (A2T) program to train 4,000 technicians by 2030.
- Introducing tools that help candidates discover Walmart roles that fit their skill sets.
Introducing AI Interview Coach
Our new AI Interview Coach simulates a realistic Walmart interview by walking candidates through up to 10 questions, scoring each response on a 1-10 scale and delivering instant pointers on structure, clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re preparing for your first hourly job or aiming for a leadership role, this practice environment with actionable feedback builds skill and self-assurance. This will give talented candidates a better chance of landing jobs they’re qualified for but might miss out on due to interviewing poorly. We’re currently piloting the tool with our associates; if it performs as expected, it will be offered to every applicant, both internal and external.
Expanding Associate to Technician
Our commitment to helping associates build careers drives our A2T expansion, which pays for Walmart associates to move into technician jobs with the company. We just celebrated the 108 associates who completed the Dallas–Fort Worth six-month pilot program. This program combines 70 percent hands-on training with 30 percent classroom learning — covering things like OSHA safety, electrical fundamentals, HVAC, refrigeration and troubleshooting.
What we’re really thrilled to say? Every graduate secured a technician role, putting them on a path to earn an average of $32/hour (a range of $19 to $45/hour). Now, we’re adding two more locations on top of our Dallas/Fort Worth training. We’re expanding the program A2T to Vincennes, Indiana, and Jacksonville, Florida, with a goal of putting 4,000 associates through the program by 2030. No degree is required, just dedication, managerial approval and a desire to grow. From day one, participants take on increasing responsibility and master skills that translate into better-paying roles and greater impact.
New tools for job candidates — especially veterans
Veterans have leadership, technical expertise and adaptability — skills that map directly to Walmart roles.
To make the connection between military and civilian life more seamless, we’ve launched our Skills-First Navigator to match their skills with open opportunities at Walmart and a veteran-focused Job Simulator that offers an interactive “day in the life” preview.
Together, these tools empower veterans to translate their military expertise into successful Walmart careers, and we’re partnering with military organizations to ensure transitioning service members know about these tools.
What this means for customers
Across the U.S., workforce participation remains below pre-pandemic levels. Walmart is building a talent pipeline to recruit skilled team members and advance current associates into management, operations and beyond — keeping key roles filled and fueling upward mobility.
Faster hiring and more confident candidates lead to consistent staffing in every store, club and supply chain facility. Technicians who are trained and empowered keep equipment running smoothly — from bright bakery ovens to perfectly chilled produce cases — ensuring the reliable service our customers count on every hour, every day.
To learn more about these initiatives and how Walmart continues to invest in skills-first pathways, visit walmart.com/skillsfirst.
