BCI Launches Heartland Coca-Cola Vocational Training Class

Boone Center, Inc. (BCI) is launching a new vocational training program in partnership with Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company to prepare adults with disabilities for employment as merchandisers.

The six-week program begins on October 6, 2026, and participants will be employees of Heartland Coca-Cola and will be paid from day one of training. Following successful completion of the program, participants will continue working as part-time merchandisers at Walmart in Wentzville, earning a starting wage of $20 per hour.

The first two weeks of training will take place at Heartland Coca-Cola’s St. Charles facility at 3800 Mueller Road. The remaining four weeks will be conducted at Walmart, 1971 Wentzville Parkway, where participants will gain hands-on experience in their actual work environment.

Participants will learn the responsibilities of a merchandiser, including stocking beverages, organizing displays, rotating inventory, removing expired products, and maintaining an attractive, customer-friendly sales floor.

After training, employees will work part-time Tuesday through Saturday, with either a 6 to 10 a.m. or noon to 4 p.m. schedule. Candidates must complete Heartland Coca-Cola’s hiring requirements, including a background check, drug screening, and physical.