3 Retailers Investing in Employees' Education

CHICAGO -- With turnover ticking up and unemployment dipping down, some convenience-store chains are trying to outsmart the tight labor market by installing learning initiatives. Here are three ways c-stores are using education to grow talent from the ground up ...

Working to create a more skilled workforce, Sheetz Inc. is helping employees at the convenience stores’ 550 locations earn GED diplomas. The Altoona, Pa.-based retailer has partnered with GED Testing Service, the creator of the test, to offer free tests. Participants of Sheetz’ GEDWorks program also receive a personal adviser, online study resources and information about adult education programs in their area.

The incentive demonstrates the chain's commitment to investing in education opportunities for its workforce, said Stephanie Doliveira, vice president of human resources. The retailer also offers $1,500 in tuition reimbursement per year and has teamed up with 26 colleges to offer staff discounted tuition rates.

To help team members grow their careers in-house, Mapco Express has a store manager mentor program and offers continuous learning management courses. “This allows for one-on-one support, feedback and training to the new managers and gives those manager mentors leadership development for their career progression,” Alexandra Dalton, director of learning and development for the Brentwood, Tenn.-based chain, told CSP Daily News.

In June, Rhodes 101 Stops Convenience Stores launched a new internship program. The c-store chain, based in Cape Girardeau, Mo., has taken on two interns that will rotate between multiple aspects of the business, from store management to information technology, according to the Southeast Missourian. Rhodes hopes to create a learning experience for the interns that highlights the company’s culture and creates leadership opportunities, Zenna Gustafson, human resources director for the 30-unit chain, told the newspaper.