How Lowe's looks to develop tech talent for tomorrow's workforce

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Mike Mitchell believes he may have some tech wizards or coding stars for Lowe's Cos. Inc.'s future in a group of six young people who are taking part in a pre-apprenticeship program this week.

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"This is an onramp to future tech leaders in Charlotte," says Mitchell, who is senior director of trade skills and learning at Lowe's (NYSE: LOW).

The initial sessions of the program included a tour last week of Lowe's massive distribution center in the Statesville area. Sure, the warehouse operations are more analog than digital, but Mitchell wanted the participants to see the company facilities they would be supporting if they become Lowe's IT associates.

"We will take them to a store to help them understand how technology powers retail — in particular future retail," Mitchell says.

Lowe's is working with Charlotte Works and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for the pilot program. Lowe's CIO Seemantini Godbole has said she sees such IT programs as a way for the company to staff its 2,000-employee Lowe's Charlotte Tech Hub, the $153 million structure the company is building in South End.

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