Walmart's AI-Fueled Future: Ready the Biggest Private Workforce

Published Date : 28/09/2025 

As artificial intelligence and demographic shifts reshape the U.S. job market, Walmart, the nation's largest private employer, is taking proactive steps to prepare its workforce for the future. The retailer is investing in training and certification programs, and collaborating with OpenAI to develop AI skills among its employees. 

BENTONVILLE, Ark -- As artificial intelligence (AI) and demographic changes reshape the U.S. job market, the nation's largest private employer, Walmart, is identifying the skills its workers and the broader labor force might need for the future.

Walmart hosted more than 300 workplace experts and representatives from other companies participating in the Skills-First Workforce Initiative, a project aimed at developing and filling stable jobs based on skills rather than educational background.

The retailer has already launched its own employee training and certification programs to meet Walmart's growing need for truck drivers and maintenance technicians. These roles are in high demand as experienced tradespeople retire, and companies struggle to recruit fast enough.

Walmart plans to offer an AI skills program next year through a new collaboration with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. The Associated Press sat down with Walmart CEO Doug McMillon at the company's headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, to discuss AI and the American workforce. The interview has been edited for clarity and length.

MCMILLON: I would say the turnover is coming down. Compared to the pandemic, things feel much more stable now. The pace of change in the employment market is smaller and easier to manage.

MCMILLON: We continue to invest in wages, which is helping. Our sales are growing, and people are optimistic about the future. They are enthusiastic about new tools that are making their jobs better and more efficient.

MCMILLON: No one knows exactly how this will play out, but every job will likely change. The best way to think about it is to 'plus up'—how can we adopt new tools and leverage them to make things better? This change will be gradual for store associates, supply chain associates, and others.

MCMILLON: There won’t be a moment of clarity, but we will approach this transparently and honestly. We will talk to our people in real-time about what we’re learning and doing.

MCMILLON: One significant change in the last decade is the role of store associates picking orders for delivery and pickup. We have over 200,000 people doing this job, and yet our total workforce remains stable. Other tasks and jobs have changed, creating new, higher-paying roles.

MCMILLON: Store managers are a great example. It’s a challenging and well-paying job that requires both human and technical skills. These skills are valuable and will be even more so in the future.

MCMILLON: There’s a lack of awareness about the great jobs available. For example, many Americans don’t know about the tech roles that help maintain our stores and clubs. We need to get the word out about these opportunities.

MCMILLON: We’ve been successful so far in finding great people, and our turnover rates are down. We expect this trend to continue.

MCMILLON: As we navigate the future of AI, the best approach is to work together, share information, and learn together. This will help us set our associates up for success. The change is inevitable, and our choice is to lean in, learn, and help lead for better outcomes for everyone involved. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is Walmart's Skills-First Workforce Initiative?

A: Walmart's Skills-First Workforce Initiative is a project to develop and fill stable jobs based on the skills and abilities of individuals, rather than their educational background. This initiative aims to create more accessible and stable job opportunities.

Q: How is Walmart preparing its workforce for AI?

A: Walmart is preparing its workforce for AI by launching employee training and certification programs. They are also collaborating with OpenAI to develop AI skills among their employees, ensuring they are equipped for the future job market.

Q: What roles are in high demand at Walmart?

A: Walmart is in high demand for truck drivers and maintenance technicians. These roles are crucial as experienced tradespeople retire, and there is a significant need to fill these positions quickly.

Q: How is AI expected to change jobs at Walmart?

A: AI is expected to change jobs at Walmart by gradually transforming roles and introducing new tools and technologies. The focus is on 'plussing up'—adopting new tools to enhance job performance and efficiency.

Q: What is Walmart's approach to managing the impact of AI on its workforce?

A: Walmart's approach to managing the impact of AI is to be transparent and honest with its employees. They aim to communicate changes in real-time, share what they are learning, and involve their workforce in the transition process. 

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