Kroger launches career development, training platform
One of the nation’s leading grocery chains is launching a new career development tool for employees to grow with the company.
The Kroger Co. has debuted Pearl Street Academy, a “comprehensive” career development and training platform designed to provide high-quality learning opportunities to associates. Kroger says the platform centralizes leadership development, training courses and professional growth experiences, making it easier for associates to access “consistent, intentional development” aligned with the company's leadership goals.
Kroger employs more than 400,000 associates across its banners and supply chain network.
"Pearl Street Academy represents our commitment to investing in the growth and development of our people," said Tim Massa, Kroger's executive VP and chief experience officer. "By creating a single, connected home for development opportunities, we're ensuring that associates across our stores, supply chain and more, have access to the tools and experiences they need to advance and thrive in their careers."
Kroger says Pearl Street Academy will enable associates to enhance their skills and capabilities in their current role and prepare to take their career to the next level, explore new skills and opportunities for growth across the business, and drive impact and results to reach business and career goals.
The academy is named in honor of Barney Kroger, who opened his first store on Pearl Street in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Pearl Street Academy joins the other resources that associates can benefit from. Kroger’s tuition reimbursement program offers up to $21,000 for both part-time and full-time associates, covering GED courses to Ph.D. programs. Since its launch, Kroger says the program has contributed more than $64 million to help associates further their education, with 89% of the recipients being hourly associates.
[READ MORE: Kroger to reportedly open two stores, invest $112 million in Ohio]
Based in Cincinnati, The Kroger Co. operates approximately 2,800 stores under a variety of banners across the U.S., including Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith's, King Soopers, Fry's, QFC, City Market, Owen's, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker's, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick 'n Save, Metro Market and Mariano's.
