Synchrony rolls out debt-free skilled trades degrees for employees

The program, announced during the company’s Women in the Trades forum in West Chester, Ohio, is available to employees after three months of service. By partnering with Bright Horizons EdAssist, Synchrony provides access to a network of over 20 community and technical colleges. Participants can choose from flexible learning models, including hybrid courses, on-campus labs, and paid apprenticeships, to master trades essential for data center operations and advanced mechanics.

Kelli Nesseth, Senior Vice President and GM at Synchrony, noted that the initiative addresses the growing demand for technicians while opening career paths that can lead to business ownership. The urgency of the project is underscored by projections suggesting that 2.1 million skilled trade positions could remain unfilled by 2030. Beyond internal training, the Synchrony Foundation has invested nearly $1 million in national trade programs since 2021, including $150,000 specifically for Women in HVACR scholarships, as part of its broader Education as an Equalizer initiative.