Explore new career potential with Walmart’s Associate-to-Technician program.
Another Walmart training program proves yet again the sky is the limit at Walmart and we're building on that to bring even more career pathways to associates.
It all started three years ago. We noticed a large portion of the maintenance technician population was nearing retirement across the nation. And the Associate-to-Technician training program (A2T) was born, giving associates the opportunity to become the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
“The A2T program is opportunity for associates — plain and simple,” says Shelley Harbison, director of performance, acceleration and growth within Facility Services. A2T teaches associates the hands-on skills needed to perform maintenance tech roles.
The best part? You don’t need maintenance skills — just an interest in developing them.
After deciding accounting wasn’t for him, Jason (JB) Helm, exterior service lead technician, found a love for maintenance. He joined Walmart in 2023 and immediately began looking for opportunities to grow his career in facility services — and found it in the A2T program.
“Since the start of the program, I have become a way better technician,” he says. “The virtual training and hands-on classes in Dallas have given me the ability to do so much more.”
He continues, “Now I feel I am serving my purpose, with a special team of men and women ready to help the community.”
All are welcome
Liz Cardenas joined Walmart in 2022 as an automation equipment operator (AEO) at Distribution Center 8348 in Lancaster, Texas. She loves a challenge and was looking for opportunities to grow her career.
So, in 2024, she applied for A2T. “A2T gave me problem-solving opportunities and opened doors that I’m excited to go through.”
As a woman, Liz wasn’t sure she would feel welcome in the maintenance field. But she discovered that the program encourages all associates, whether or not they have a background in skilled trades.
“This opportunity showed me that it’s not just a male-dominated field,” Liz says. “Women can take it on, too.”
With knowledgeable and friendly instructors, training starts with the basics, breaking things down step by step to make sure you understand.
Liz encourages other associates: “Open yourself up to this opportunity. I had no experience and knew nothing about tools at the beginning. You won’t be the only one who doesn't know. But they will teach you everything you need to know from the bottom up.”
Plus, Liz explains, she can apply her new skills at home. “If I want to remodel my restroom or put up new drywall, I can do it myself with everything I’ve learned,” she says.
“When I first started with Walmart, I was told that there’s no glass ceiling,” Liz says. “It’s true! The sky is the limit. You can become anything within Walmart, and they support you. They give you the resources you need.”
Where veterans advance
Eric Hayes spent 14 years in the military and a decade working in production. He joined Walmart in a general maintenance role in central Florida. After a week, he shares, “My manager said, ‘We need to move you up. You’ve got more potential.’”
That’s when his people lead mentioned a few opportunities for career growth, including the Associate-to-Driver and Associate-to-Technician programs. He jumped at the chance to learn more about heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) maintenance with the A2T program. “It blew my mind. I thought, ‘HVAC? That’s something I haven’t done!”
“I wouldn’t have thought to look at Walmart for this kind of opportunity,” Eric continues. “The moment I mentioned I wanted to apply for A2T, everybody jumped on board and made it happen for me.”
After completing the program, he was impressed by how much he learned — even after his decades of work experience. “It’s much more advanced than I thought,” he explains. “They’re teaching us to feel safe and secure about what we’re working on.”
Eric is also grateful that his new job allows for an even better life for his kids. “I can give my kids a warm place to sleep, keep them safe, and provide food.”
“Walmart is proud to support veterans, and that’s fantastic for us, opportunity-wise. You’re not stuck where you’re at. If you want to advance yourself, ask about this program,” he says.
Hurk Kenney is another veteran in the A2T program. In 11 years with Walmart, his roles ranged from HVAC to asset protection. “Leaving the military and joining a company that provides opportunities to veterans is a wonderful thing,” he shares.
Hurk was surprised at the wide range of skills A2T teaches‚ from plumbing and woodworking to electricity and circuit boards.
“I'm getting the experience I need to further my career and provide a better life for my family,” he says. “I’m very grateful. The opportunity at Walmart means the world to me.”
Always getting better
Even associates with maintenance experience benefit from the program. Jason Barber worked in the trades, but a personal tragedy disrupted his career. “My wife of 12 years, the mother of our three daughters, was killed in a car crash,” he shares. “I fell into a depression from grief and lost my job.”
Just when his family was facing eviction and food insecurity, Walmart offered him a job that included A2T training in HVAC.
Today he’s a development tech in Pensacola, Florida, and graduates from Associate to Tech in a few weeks. “The program accommodates all experience levels — from green hands to journeyman level. There’s always something to be learned, whether it’s improving your safety, your technique or your quality of work.”
With a little more experience under his belt compared to some of his fellow students, Jason also appreciates the sense of camaraderie in the program. “Being an older gentleman in a learning environment, I feel like I’ve been respected for what I do know and what I bring to the table. And I think I’ve made lifelong friends.”
Investing in your future
“It’s important that Walmart invests in our own,” Shelley says. “It’s one more way that we take care of our associates.”
Speaking of taking care of associates, here’s what Jason had to say after acing the pilot program: “With so many great trainers, great ambassadors, great resources and equipment, Walmart can take anybody with an interest and turn them into a great technician!”
Ready to start your path to the skilled trades? Learn more about Walmart's skilled trade career opportunities.
