In an interview with ABC News, John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S., discussed Walmart’s initiative to hire more non-college degree workers for high-paying corporate positions within the company. Walmart recognizes that not everyone needs a college degree to succeed, and it has doubled the number of skills certificates it offers to help associates transition to higher-paying careers, such as software engineers and data scientists, within the company. The shift to skills-based hiring is seen as a way to provide more opportunities for workers while also addressing rising costs of a college education.
Walmart is among the companies leading the charge in skills-based hiring, allowing more non-degree workers to fill roles that once required a college degree. The company hosted an Opportunity Summit in Washington, D.C., where executives from major companies discussed ways to offer higher-paid jobs to non-degree workers. Despite challenges like rising shrinkage due to theft, Walmart remains committed to utilizing self-checkout technology and plans to lean into new technologies to improve customer experience at checkout. The company’s focus on skills-based hiring and investment in technology showcases its commitment to adapting to the changing landscape of the retail industry.
Furner also discussed the impact of inflation on prices at Walmart, noting that prices are beginning to level out and even decrease in categories like general merchandise. Despite recent fluctuations in inflation, Furner remains optimistic about Walmart’s ability to navigate these changes. As Walmart continues to expand and invest in its workforce, the company is positioning itself as a leader in adapting to the evolving needs of its customers and the retail industry as a whole.
