Other perks include language classes for non-native speakers and DEI pushes
Pizza chain Papa John's is boosting its tuition benefit programme to cover the education costs of frontline workers. The restaurant chain said its Dough & Degrees programme will be expanded to team members who work as few as 10 hours per week and have been employed for only 60 days.
This means the company will cover employees' tuition, books, and fees, without cost to team members. Papa John's is also offering new education perks that will help team members who left high school before graduation earn their diploma. In addition, the company is also granting their workers access to more than 25 professional certificate programmes so they can become experts in their chosen fields.
Read more: This fast food giant is paying for employees' college tuition
The company also announced free courses for employees who are non-native English speakers in order to build a "more inclusive" workplace for team members from diverse backgrounds, providing their workers with nearly 200 professional development courses.
"At Papa Johns, 'People First' is one of our core values. That means helping our team members meet a broad range of needs – including equipping them for their future," said Marvin Boakye, Papa John's chief people and diversity officer. "These lowered eligibility requirements and expansion of education opportunities available will increase access to tuition benefits for more team members while embracing their many different backgrounds and experiences."
The restaurant chain partners up with EdAssist by Bright Horizons to administer the newly expanded programme.
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Dr. Jill Buban, vice president and general manager of EdAssist by Bright Horizons, said they’re "thrilled" to partner with the restaurant chain.
"Papa John's has developed a best-in-class education benefits programme that not only eliminates cost and access barriers for employees but also incorporates essential supports that are proven to positively impact the success of adult learners," said Buban.
