Free tuition? Yes, you read that right. Smithfield Foods will offer free tuition to full-time and part-time employees through a new program specifically designed for adults in the workplace, the company said.
Under this program, Smithfield plans to cover up to 100% of tuition costs for various degree and certificate programs through vetted universities and learning providers who offer flexible course schedules and programs aligned to Smithfield’s career pathway opportunities, the company explained. Additionally, required textbooks and course fees will also be covered.
“Our employees drive our success, and they are our competitive advantage,” Shane Smith, president and chief executive officer of Smithfield Foods, said in a release. “We’re committed to helping all of our team members grow their careers in a fair, ethical and rewarding work environment. This new tuition-free program will unlock life-changing opportunities for our U.S. employees, and will continue to build a foundation for lifelong careers at Smithfield.”
The company’s new education program is being administered in partnership with Guild through a platform designed to provide employees access to learning and career growth, with a catalog of high-quality learning programs vetted for working adults. The program will also feature one-on-one personalized education support and career coaching for Smithfield’s U.S. employees.
“We are thrilled to partner with Smithfield Foods to deepen their internal culture of opportunity,” Jonathan Marek, chief customer officer at Guild, said in a release. “Smithfield’s tuition-free education and skilling program builds on their vision that good food starts with good people, and provides Smithfield’s employees with even more access to personal and professional advancement.”
For more information on Smithfield’s Guild program, visit smithfield.guildeducation.com.
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