Home / Business and Economy / Walmart Tackles Trades Gap: From Cashier to Technician
Walmart Tackles Trades Gap: From Cashier to Technician
20 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Walmart revitalized its training program to address skilled trades shortages.
- Employees can earn up to $43.50 per hour after completing training.
- The retailer aims to train 4,000 workers by 2030 in essential maintenance roles.
As skilled tradespeople become scarce in the U.S., Walmart is proactively building its internal workforce. The retail giant revamped its training programs in Spring 2024 to cultivate maintenance technicians, crucial for store and distribution center operations. This initiative offers tuition-free training in areas like HVAC, electrical work, and general maintenance.
One success story is Liz Cardenas, 24, who transitioned from an automation equipment operator to a maintenance technician, nearly doubling her hourly pay to $43.50. This career path has provided her financial freedom, enabling her to afford her own apartment and car. Walmart aims to train 4,000 employees through this program by 2030, with nearly 400 having graduated since the program's inception.
The skilled trades shortage is exacerbated by retirements and reduced immigration, creating significant challenges for employers. Companies like Lowe's are also investing in similar training programs. Walmart emphasizes that increasing awareness of these well-paying technical jobs is key to attracting talent.
