White House Upskill Summit Lauds WAFC Certificate Program

The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) retail management certificate program was formally recognized at the White House Upskill Summit, held this week in Washington, D.C.

Presided over by Vice President Joe Biden, the forum aims to "build support for empowering America’s work force with the education and training they need to develop new skills and earn higher wages." Attendees included WAFC labor leaders and major employers.

Founded in 2000, the program aims to provide its graduates with the core skills and knowledge to move into a management role in the grocery industry, the organization said.

In 2013, partner community colleges received a $12 million U.S. Department of Labor grant to enhance the program and build its profile nationally in the retail sector.

“Education is the primary mission of the Western Association of Food Chains and our commitment to equip front-line workers with the skills they need to advance in their careers through the Retail Management Certificate program is directly in line with the Upskill Summit’s call to action,” said WAFC President and Chairwoman Sue Klug.