Walmart adds online tech courses to employee education program

Walmart is partnering with an online learning platform to provide frontline associates with free technology training.

The nation’s largest employer is expanding its Live Better U education program in a new collaboration with Springboard. Walmart has selected the provider of online mentor- and instructor-led training programs to offer tailored upskilling and reskilling courses in data analytics, software development, and data-driven strategic thinking.

Launched in 2018 and steadily expanded in the years since, Live Better U is designed to provide the 1.5 million Walmart and Sam’s Club associates in the U.S. free access to educational and career-building resources, such as 100% payment of college tuition and books.

Programs will be offered through Springboard for Business, which focuses on the development of employees at Fortune 500 companies through human-guided programs that combine one-on-one mentorship with live and instructor-led sessions. Walmart will pay 100% of the Springboard tuition for its enrolled associates.

Springboard for Business courses available to Walmart and Sam’s Club employees will include:

• 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.
• Software Development covers key aspects of front-end development, including HTML, CSS and Javascript, while creating real-world, self-designed projects.
• Data Driven Strategic Thinking has been developed for large enterprises and covers data literacy, strategic thinking and influential communication skills.

“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, senior VP of associate learning and leadership at Walmart. “We’re excited to add Springboard to our list of education partners."

“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. Springboard graduates have earned over $1 billion in post-graduation salary since 2016, and this partnership will help us accelerate and extend that impact, which is particularly important in the current economic climate.”

Based in Bentonville, Ark., Walmart operates more than 10,500 stores and clubs under 46 banners in 24 countries and e-commerce websites.