BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is doubling down on its commitment to upward mobility with a trio of new initiatives aimed at equipping its associates with the tools, training, and technology they need to move into higher-paying, in-demand technical roles with the retailer.
The nation’s largest private employer said today that it is piloting an AI-powered interview coach, expanding its Associate to Technician (A2T) training program, and rolling out enhanced career-matching tools, particularly for veterans. These efforts, executives said, are designed to prepare workers for critical roles across Walmart’s operations while addressing labor shortages in skilled trades.
“We believe there’s never been a better time to be part of Walmart,” said Lorraine Stomski, chief talent officer, during a press briefing. “Seventy-five percent of our salaried store, club, and supply chain managers started as hourly associates. These new investments are about ensuring we continue to create pathways to those roles for even more people.”
Among the most novel additions is an AI Interview Coach currently being piloted with Walmart associates. The virtual coach simulates a realistic job interview, asks up to 10 common questions, and provides instant feedback on structure, clarity, and confidence.
“It’s easy to forget how intimidating interviews can be,” said Stomski. “This tool builds confidence and helps candidates better showcase their true potential, especially those who are highly capable but may not interview well.”
If successful, Walmart plans to roll out the coach to all job applicants—internal and external—later this year.
Walmart also announced the expansion of its Associate to Technician program, a six-month, tuition-free training initiative that combines hands-on instruction and classroom learning in fields like HVAC, electrical work, refrigeration, and general maintenance.
The company recently graduated 108 associates from a pilot cohort in Dallas–Fort Worth. Every participant secured a technician role at Walmart with average pay of $32 an hour, and some earning up to $45 an hour. Walmart is now adding training sites in Vincennes, Indiana, and Jacksonville, Florida, with the goal of preparing 4,000 new technicians by 2030.
“Think HVAC, think automation, think infrastructure,” said RJ Zanes, vice president of facility services and a former Navy electrician. “These are the roles that keep Walmart running—and now we’re creating structured career paths into them.”
Zanes noted that 23% of the current skilled trades workforce is nearing retirement age, making the development of internal talent a strategic necessity.
Walmart is also rolling out its “Skills-First Navigator,” a digital platform that helps job seekers—especially veterans—translate military or civilian experience into Walmart job opportunities. A new veteran-focused Job Simulator provides a virtual preview of daily tasks in roles like operations and maintenance.
“These tools empower people to see how their existing skills already qualify them for meaningful careers at Walmart,” said Stomski.
Walmart’s announcement comes amid ongoing challenges in the U.S. labor market, with workforce participation still lagging pre-pandemic levels and skilled labor in particularly short supply. The company’s investments in AI, technical training, and career discovery are designed to address staffing gaps, reduce turnover, and ensure business continuity across its stores and supply chain.
“When we invest in our associates, we’re also investing in better service for our customers,” Stomski added. “A confident job candidate is more likely to succeed, and a well-trained technician ensures the store’s ovens, freezers and HVACs are running at full strength. It’s a win-win.”
Walmart’s efforts reflect a growing trend among major employers to prioritize “skills-first” hiring and development, emphasizing experience and competencies over formal degrees. By investing in associate training and career pathways, the company aims to boost retention, improve operations, and reinforce its long-standing culture of promoting from within.
