WASHINGTON – The NRF Foundation and the PepsiCo Foundation have launched the NRF Foundation Retail Training Fund, a new workforce development initiative aimed at expanding access to retail skills training and industry-recognized credentials.
Supported by a $1 million commitment from the PepsiCo Foundation over three years, the fund will assist workforce development organizations, community colleges, and selected educational institutions in providing individuals with the skills needed to get jobs and grow in retail and related fields.
Retail remains the largest private-sector employer in the nation, supporting over 55 million jobs and accounting for more than one in four U.S. workers. Through the new partnership, the organizations aim to reach 3,000 participants across 30 partner organizations, strengthening the talent pipeline while promoting economic mobility and career readiness.
“Access to skills, training and opportunity is critical to advancing economic mobility,” said Monica Bauer, senior vice president, social impact at PepsiCo. “By partnering with the NRF Foundation through the Retail Training Fund, we are investing in people and communities by helping learners gain the credentials and capabilities they need to succeed in today’s workforce.”
Participants in the program will receive training in essential employability skills, including customer service, operational and technical abilities, industry-specific knowledge, and professional development, culminating in industry-recognized credentials.
“The NRF Foundation helps retailers discover and develop future leaders by delivering retail training and provides retail scholarships each year,” said Adam Lukoskie, executive director of the NRF Foundation and senior vice president at the National Retail Federation. “The PepsiCo Foundation’s support of our new NRF Foundation Retail Training Fund will increase our reach and impact, propelling the job seekers of today to become the retail leaders of tomorrow.”
The initiative aligns with the PepsiCo Foundation’s broader focus on workforce development and economic mobility, promoting pathways to prosperity while addressing changing talent needs in the retail industry.
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