It’s back-to-school season all year ‘round for associates who take advantage of Walmart Canada’s Live Better U (LBU) education program.
One year ago, LBU was launched with the intention for associates to gain the skills needed for the future, all without having to worry about the cost of tuition, books, and fees.
With our most popular programs ranging from French as a Second Language, data analytics, supply chain management, and in-demand post-secondary credentials to become a licensed pharmacy technician or optician, the LBU catalog was curated based on the current and future needs of the business.
Here’s a snapshot of Live Better U Canada in its first year:
- Over 3,000 associates are pursuing or have completed a course or program through LBU
- 75% of students are store and supply chain associates, with the vast majority across our hourly workforce
- Top skills gained through programs include language and communication, people leadership, data analysis, and supply chain
- 75% of programs offered are short form credentials that can be earned in six months or less
“As a people-led, tech-powered, omnichannel retailer, we want to provide our associates the opportunity to get the skills necessary to keep developing and upskilling,” said AnnMarie Mercer, Chief People Officer, Walmart Canada. “With programs like LBU, we are building a future-ready workforce by offering industry credentials aligned with the skills and careers identified by Walmart Canada.”
It’s incredible to see more than 3,000 associates prioritizing their upskilling and development in this way, and we’re thrilled to see our first cohort of associates graduating this year from the Registered Pharmacy Technician program to support our healthcare business.
Walmart Canada has a long history of supporting associate growth within the company: more than 80% of our store managers started out as an hourly associate!
At Walmart Canada, LBU is not just about education; it's about empowerment, opportunity, and transformation. It's about breaking down barriers and opening doors for our associates, allowing them to reach heights they never imagined possible.