While any company can offer a salary and benefits, professional development opportunities, to some, are just as important. A 2025 study from
MetLife found that 52% of employees consider availability of training and upskilling initiatives to be “must haves” in a new position.
Reynolds offers a variety of internal training courses to encourage this desire for
lifelong learning. We sat down with Internal Trainer Allie P. to discuss how Reynolds’ Internal Training Department (ITD) promotes associate success.
What can associates expect from new hire training?
New hire training is department-specific. Of course, everyone is trained to do their job, but ITD offers courses to new associates who may not be familiar with corporate environments. The “JumpStart” course series discusses important benefits, policies, and practices to start them on the right track. We also hold a recurring New Associate Orientation that teaches important company history, goals, and initiatives to prepare associates for working at Reynolds.
Is there any training beyond entry level?
In addition to new hire classes, we offer professional and personal development classes and workshops for those who’d like to polish their skills. These range from learning Microsoft Excel to stress management, as well as foundational business etiquette and communications classes. Our job is to support Reynolds’ associates; part of that support is promoting professional growth. Leadership encourages continued learning for all associates at all skill levels. Even management takes classes to strengthen their leadership skills, taught by Reynolds executives.
How do you approach associates’ different learning styles?
Most people learn things differently than one another, so we try to appeal to as many learning styles as possible. We have handouts, discussions, visuals, and guest speakers to keep it engaging. Our team of trainers work very hard to ensure associates walk away feeling confident in the material.
Elements of hands-on learning exist in most, if not all, courses offered. Workshops will often include some form of activity, whether it’s trying different brain-powering foods or simulating survival in a bunker, there’s plenty to be learned by doing.
Do you ever add new material?
In the last several years, we’ve added classes to our catalog when we discovered a need for them. Associates can always suggest new courses or changes to existing ones. Our Excel classes came from an associate’s suggestion. We're always reviewing our course materials to ensure they’re accurate and engaging.
We recently hired a content creator to create compelling visual materials for our various in-person and online training courses. They’re an exciting addition to our team that has continued to grow over the years. We all have various skill sets and backgrounds, allowing us to develop and add courses we couldn’t before.
What makes Reynolds’ internal training different from other companies?
Reynolds’ internal training appeals to a broader audience and set of skills than other companies. You’re not just learning the job here; you’re learning how to be a better professional, which will help your career in the long term. Reynolds offers many opportunities for internal movement – even I started in a customer support role, so the skills you learn in training will follow you.
We’ve received a lot of support from department heads and executives who believe proper associate training is integral to success. Reynolds’ internal training not only sets the company apart, but it also sets associates apart by giving them valuable skills early on that others may take years to acquire.
So, whether you’re just getting started in your career or are looking for how your new position will aid your lifelong education, there are plenty of opportunities for learning at Reynolds. Check out our recent job openings.
