Training Program
Management training
People who are promoted to Supervisor are to go through a management training program. They learn what it means to be a Costco manager, various rules for serving in this capacity and other matters of importance.
Twelve weeks of training in merchandising
Costco has various departments and positions. Especially among these various departments, the core of Costco Business is considered Merchandising.
Thus, all appointees are to undergo a 12-week training program to obtain a solid footing in merchandising, without switching from their original department.
Some trainees will then be transferred to the Merchandising department for additional training, and some will be sent back to their original departments. In either case, all trainees are to acquire an extensive set of merchandising skills they can apply in their new positions.
The Management in Training (MIT) system
This system is intended for those who have already had some managerial experience. A person tapped for a position as Assistant Warehouse Manager candidate will first be sent around to a variety of core departments, where, for the next several months, he or she is to acquire the knowledge and experience necessary for that assignment.
BUDDY SYSTEM
Costco values OJT (on-the-job training) over classroom lectures. A “buddy”, who is a more experienced colleague, will be assigned to a new employee, and he/she will show the newcomer around and provide one-on-one guidance on various aspects of Costco operations.
A variety of training programs are available.
