Wal-Mart invests in retail training for China business

Wal-Mart Stores is in need of more retail workers in China and is working with China Chain Store and Franchise Association on a three-year training program aimed at producing 20,000 additional vocational graduates to meet the growing retail demand, according to China Daily.

The program dubbed “Future Retail Star Training” begins in August. The retail giant contributed $812,000 toward to the training program focused on retail basics being taught in 100 vocational schools.

"Some Wal-Mart staff members are getting older and are not familiar with online-to-offline business," said Wu Zenglun, senior director of human resources at Wal-Mart China. "The key strategies are food safety and category management training."

Wal-Mart China said the high demand for entry-level retail employees prompts the need for professional retail vocational training with emphasis on practical and soft skills, such as communication and teamwork.