In an effort to increase economic mobility of workers in retail and adjacent sectors in the U.S., the Walmart Foundation today announced 10 Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) across the country will receive funding from The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership). The Partnership selected 10 WDBs to collectively form and implement new models of career services specific to retail. The funding is part of a $10.9 million grant the Walmart Foundation made to The Partnership in March 2016. The two-year grant program is the largest investment to date as part of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation’s Opportunity initiative, which aims to increase the economic mobility of workers in retail and adjacent sectors by working with nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies to make it easier for frontline workers to move faster into middle skills roles. “Through our work with The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, we are helping ensure that retail workers have the skills, training, and education needed to build longlasting careers,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation. The 10 WDBs receiving funding from The Partnership will provide a variety of services to job seekers, including: • Job readiness training customized to the retail sector, including helping jobseekers acquire the “soft skills” that are critical for workplace success such as teamwork, leadership, communication, and conflict resolution. • Specialized skills training. • Job placement assistance, resume writing assistance, and interviewing skills workshops. • Post placement services to promote job retention. For more information about the Walmart Foundation’s grant to The Partnership, visit http://workforceboard. org/about-us/funders-and-partners/grants/ wal-mart-foundation-grant/.
