High school graduates have a wealth of opportunities with the 10 top companies that hire, promote, and train them: 'It's a springboard for your career'

High school graduates seeking entry-level employment may want to consider beginning their career at a company featured in a new ranking from the American Opportunity Index.

This month, a list of 50 top companies was released, highlighting the best career launch opportunities for individuals with a high school diploma. Out of the top 10 companies, seven are retailers and restaurant chains.

The index ranked companies based on three criteria: their likelihood to hire entry-level employees, promote them internally, and provide opportunities for better-paying jobs upon departure.

Rajiv Chandrasekaran, a managing director at the Schultz Family Foundation, states that there are numerous lists, rankings, and resources available for recent college graduates.

Most high school graduates who don't go to post-secondary education immediately have to find work, as there isn't much available for them, according to him.

Here are the top 10 companies on the list.

1. Chipotle Mexican Grill
2. Lowe's
3. Walgreens Boots Alliance
4. Foot Locker
5. PNC Financial Services Group
6. Gap Inc.
7. Goodyear Tire & Rubber
8. Best Buy
9. Chewy
10. Starbucks

Those businesses tend to hire more frontline, entry-level employees, which is why retailers and restaurants frequently appear on the list, Chandrasekaran says. Strong people skills are crucial for those customer-facing roles.

Chandrasekaran notes that many companies on the list for high school degree holders offer strong training and educational opportunities, as well as tuition reimbursement to workers interested in pursuing a college degree.

It is advisable for job seekers to inquire about education benefits offered by potential employers during the hiring process, as this could benefit them in the long run.

While some businesses are abandoning college degree requirements for employment, the practice of hiring based on skills has not yet gained the same level of popularity, according to data.

Instead of surveying 400 large U.S. companies, the index evaluated the career paths of 5 million workers from 2018 to 2022 to create its 50-piece ranking.

Chandrasekaran says that these places are excellent starting points, and the future will only get better. They serve as a launchpad for your career.

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