A Walmart employee nearly doubled her pay after entering its pipeline for skilled tradespeople. 'I was able to move out of my parents' house' | Fortune

"As the number of skilled tradespeople dwindles in the United States, Walmart is trying to build up its own workforce to keep conveyor belts moving, refrigerated grocery cases cold, and drains and parking lots flowing. The nation's largest retailer and private employer revamped its training program last year to increase the pipeline of maintenance technicians who do everything from repair equipment to electrical work at Walmart's distribution centers and stores - jobs that have become increasingly difficult to fill because of a shrinking labor pool."

"The shortage has opened opportunities for people like Liz Cardenas, 24, who started at Walmart in May 2023 as an automation equipment operator at a distribution center in Lancaster, Texas, making sure boxes were securely taped and went through a conveyer belt upright. Today, she is responsible for fixing conveyor belts and other equipment when they break at distribution centers."

"Cardenas, who nearly doubled her hourly pay to $43.50 per hour, said she plans to pursue more training, which will mean an even higher salary and more responsibility. It also means financial freedom. "I was able to move out of my parents' house," she said. "I have my own apartment. I was able to get a car, and and I'm able to give more to my 401(k).""

Walmart revamped its training program to increase the pipeline of maintenance technicians who repair equipment, perform electrical work, and maintain stores and distribution centers. The shortage of skilled tradespeople creates openings that the company is filling with internally trained workers. Workers such as Liz Cardenas moved from entry roles to maintenance positions and nearly doubled pay, gaining financial stability. A surge of retirements and a slowdown in immigration, accelerated by aggressive deportations, contributed to the labor shortfall. McKinsey projected an estimated imbalance of 20 job openings for every one net new employee from 2022 to 2032 and substantial annual costs from churn.

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