Kohl’s is adding a new approach to technology recruiting through a technology registered apprenticeship program, focused on supporting the company’s overall pipeline for technology talent in Milwaukee. The initiative supports the company’s Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) framework - and its recently announced Diversity & Inclusion Pledge for Progress - addressing three pillars, People, Customers and Community, with an emphasis on the People pillar and striving to be purposeful in attracting, growing and engaging more diverse talent while giving associates equitable opportunities for career growth.
“Kohl’s is deeply committed to creating a more diverse workforce, and technology is an area where there is tremendous opportunity to think differently about how we recruit, train, onboard, and retain diverse talent,” said Paul Gaffney, Kohl’s chief technology officer. “In creating and supporting a broader net of technology recruitment programs, we are seeking to remove the barriers of entry for those who want to pursue a career in technology. Kohl’s is taking this step in alignment with MMAC Region of Choice pledge and hope that other companies will join us.”
New Technology Registered Apprenticeship Program
Kohl's is partnering with Apprenti, the nation’s first technology apprenticeship program registered by the Department of Labor, to help build capacity for technology apprenticeships within the Milwaukee market. Apprenti has been approved and registered with Wisconsin Apprenticeship to deliver a high level of quality training and additional benefits for both the apprentice and their employer. Apprenti will be identifying individuals with the aptitude and potential to succeed at a career in technology, and providing intense technical training for the apprentices before transitioning to Kohl’s for on-the-job training.
Kohl’s collaborated with Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition and the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards to bring Apprenti to the Milwaukee market and will work closely together to measure and assess outcomes and best practices. The Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition focuses on dramatically increasing the tech talent in the Milwaukee region to drive regional economic success, innovation and diversity in technology.
“This partnership across Kohl’s, the Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition, the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, and Apprenti demonstrates a collective commitment to local tech talent development that is reflective of our community,” said Laura Schmidt, chief talent development officer, Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition. “Registered apprenticeships provide a structured training opportunity with ongoing mentorship and a commitment for employment that addresses known barriers associated with non-traditional hiring.”
To learn more about Kohl’s Technology careers, visit Careers.Kohls.com.