(CBS / CNN) – Target has announced that it will begin paying for tuition and textbooks for its US-based part-time and full-time employees who attend select schools, including two in New England.

The retail giant, with 49 locations in Massachusetts, is following the lead of other large U.S. companies offering more advantages in attracting and retaining talent in a tight labor market.

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On their first day on the job, more than 340,000 employees at Target stores and distribution centers will now be able to choose from 250 programs at more than 40 schools and universities across the country, and they will not have to pay a dollar, the target said in a press release.

“A significant number of hourly members of our team are building their careers at Target, and we know many would like to pursue additional training opportunities,” said Melissa Kremer, director of human resources at Target, in a statement. “We don’t want cost to be a barrier for anyone, and this is where Target can step in to make education accessible to everyone. “

Among the colleges included are Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, and University of Southern New Hampshire.

Target said it would also pay up to $ 10,000 per year for master’s programs within its network of available schools, which includes the University of Arizona, Oregon State University and colleges and historically black universities like Morehouse College and Paul Quinn.

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In addition to associates and undergraduate degrees, employees will also have access to many boot camp certificates and programs, the statement said.

Target is teaming up with educational platform Guild Education and investing $ 200 million over the next four years to make it all possible, the statement said.

The move comes as retailers across the country face challenges in hiring store and warehouse workers.

Last week, Walmart, America’s largest retailer, announced it would pay full tuition and books at some schools for its American workers. This list of schools also included Johnson & Wales and Southern New Hampshire University.

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(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All rights reserved. CNN’s Alaa Elassar contributed to this report.)