Invest in Yourself: How Tuition Reimbursement Opens Doors — and Unlocks Growth

Obtaining a college degree is a life goal for many. But with the cost of higher education climbing, it can be a challenging one to achieve without financial assistance.

For aspiring college grads, tuition reimbursement offers a chance to build skills they can leverage for career advancement, without piling on debt. Research shows that an overwhelming majority of employees who participate in tuition reimbursement programs see positive and lasting career outcomes.

A survey conducted by educational assistance firm Bright Horizons reported that 60% of employees who took advantage of their company’s tuition reimbursement program were offered promotions, new opportunities within the organization, or other professional benefits within two years of completion.

That often translates into higher pay and better long-term earning potential, especially for individuals who could not otherwise afford a degree. In the same survey, 93% of respondents said that using their employer’s tuition assistance program helped them develop the skills they needed to grow within their company, and 85% said the program made them a more effective employee.

Earn AND Learn with Zekelman

At Zekelman Industries, we don’t just offer a career in manufacturing. We offer a chance to grow in your professional career with tuition reimbursement, competitive pay, and a work environment that supports continued education and helps teammates reach their full potential.

“Whether you know what you want or if you’re unsure of what to do when you graduate from high school, a job in manufacturing is a fantastic opportunity. There are so many areas for growth,” says Dana Scott, director of production planning. “You can start on the shop floor … and then move yourself up, take classes, and get involved within the company.”

Production foreman Alexis Lopez has worked at Zekelman’s Wheatland/Western Tube division for over 17 years and earned multiple degrees with help from the company’s tuition reimbursement program. “I was able to get my associate’s degree, then my bachelor’s degree, and now my master’s degree,” he says. “Advancing my education at Zekelman has allowed me to grow into several different roles within the company.”

Advance in Your Career

Zekelman teammates are eligible for a 75% reimbursement for tuition, books, and lab fees for undergraduate and master’s program courses at accredited institutions. This sets Zekelman apart from many companies that require employees to attend specific universities or require specific degrees.

And so far, more than 70 of our Zekelman teammates have chosen to participate in the program. The company also offers scholarships for the children of teammates, who may one day follow in their parents’ footsteps.

The best part? “At Zekelman, you can work and invest in your career — and yourself — at the same time,” says Scott. “You’re able to take additional classes to help further your career to give you additional skills that will help you to advance.”