Walmart Expands Associate Education Program to Hone Digital Skills

Walmart is expanding its Live Better U (LBU) education benefits to include a greater focus on digital skills, as well as making the program more widely available.

The retailer is partnering with eCornell and Southern New Hampshire University to add 19 certificates in digital skills, focused on four areas: Ways of Working, Data Fluency & Decision Making, Design Thinking & UX/UI and Technology.

Designed to support working adult learners, LBU helps associates focus on degree completion through a number of supportive elements, such as free student coaching, college credit for Walmart training and career pathways for LBU graduates.

See also: Walmart Enters the Resale Market

Associates pay just $1 per day, and most of the programs can be completed within one year or less. The program launched in June 2018, and more than 25,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club have taken advantage of education offerings.

The company is expanding LBU to offer eligibility to all part- and full-time Walmart and Sam’s Club associates starting on their first day of employment.

 “The current economic climate has only added urgency to the need for practical training and education opportunities for Americans, especially those who do not fit the historic profile of a full-time student,” said Julie Murphy, executive VP of people, Walmart U.S. “By adding both digital courses and skilled trades to our education benefit, associates have access to even more in-demand skills, so they can advance their careers, whether at Walmart or elsewhere.”