Walmart Opens First Training Academy in Illinois at Crystal Lake Store

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL - Walmart has opened its first training academy in Illinois at its Crystal Lake Supercenter.

A ribbon cutting ceremony officially marked the opening of the training academy at 1205 South Illinois Route 31. Academies are a dedicated facility located in, or adjacent to, a Walmart Supercenter where hourly supervisors and department managers receive two weeks of hands-on training that combines the classroom and the sales floor, according to a news release.

“Our training academies help provide associates with the skills they need to succeed and advance, while creating a better and more consistent customer experience,” said Irfan Badibanga, Vice President and Regional General Manager for Walmart. “Skills training increases productivity, confidence and knowledge which leads to greater job satisfaction, personal and professional growth and helps make working at Walmart a smart career choice.”

Walmart has created a new end-to-end training program called Pathways for associates at all levels of store operations, from entry-level to Regional General Manager. Hourly frontline supervisors and department managers will attend a dedicated two-week training program at the academy facility as part of Pathways.

Walmart plans to build approximately 200 academies in the U.S. by the end of 2017, according to the news release. Each academy will train associates from approximately 25 nearby stores.

Photo credit: Walmart/Robert Klaus, Serafin & Associates