Apple Launches New Education Hub in India

Apple has announced the expansion of its supplier employee training initiatives in India with the launch of a new education hub, aimed at enhancing technical and digital skills among workers across its manufacturing ecosystem. The move reinforces Apple’s long-term commitment to workforce development in one of its key global manufacturing regions.

Apple Launches New Education Hub, Expands Supplier Training Programmes in India

Apple on Wednesday unveiled a major expansion of its skill-building and training programmes for employees working across its supplier network. The Cupertino-based technology company said the initiative is part of its broader effort to support workforce development in regions where Apple has a strong manufacturing presence.

As part of this expansion, Apple also announced the launch of a new education hub in India, designed to provide accessible learning opportunities that help supplier employees build advanced technical skills beyond their routine job roles.

Apple’s New Education Hub in India: Key Details

The newly launched education hub has been developed in collaboration with the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). According to Apple, the hub will begin offering new courses starting March.

Apple said the facility will function as a dedicated learning space where trainers and students can learn directly from educators specialising in:

• Digital literacy

• Swift coding

The company highlighted that the hub will play a central role in delivering structured, high-quality technical education to supplier employees across India.

Apple Emphasises Career Growth and Skill Expansion

Commenting on the initiative, Apple reiterated its focus on long-term career development for supplier employees.

“We're thrilled to expand our technical training courses in India, giving thousands of employees the opportunity to learn valuable new skills and explore new paths for career growth,” Sarah Chandler, Vice President of Environment and Supply Chain Innovation at Apple said in a statement.

The company said the initiative is designed not only to improve technical proficiency but also to open up new professional opportunities for workers within Apple’s supply chain.

MAHE Faculty to Train Supplier Educators Across India

Faculty members from MAHE will deliver the curriculum to supplier trainers, who will then conduct training sessions for larger employee groups at manufacturing facilities.

Beginning with Tata Electronics, the development courses will be rolled out to supplier employees at more than 25 supplier sites across India.

The training programmes will focus on future-ready skills such as:

• Digital literacy

• Swift coding

• Robotics

• Automation technology

• Smart manufacturing

Part of Apple’s $50 Million Supplier Employee Development Fund

Apple noted that the newly announced development courses are the latest initiative under its global $50 million (roughly Rs. 452.3 crore) Supplier Employee Development Fund.

The fund supports education, upskilling, and career development programmes for workers across Apple’s global supply chain, with India emerging as a key focus market.

Apple Now Offers Over 75 Courses for Supplier Employees in India

Following the latest expansion, Apple and its partners now offer more than 75 courses for supplier employees in India.

Apple also highlighted the success of its robotics training programme, which was launched in December 2024. After receiving positive feedback and strong participation, the company confirmed that the programme will be expanded further this year.

Under the robotics initiative:

• Factory educators will be trained and qualified at robotics labs

• Educators can customise course content

• Sessions will be delivered directly at supplier facilities

Apple’s Broader Strategy in India

The expansion of training and education initiatives aligns with Apple’s growing manufacturing footprint in India. As the company diversifies production beyond China, India has become a strategic hub for assembling devices and developing supply chain capabilities.

By investing in workforce education, Apple aims to:

• Improve manufacturing quality

• Enable adoption of advanced technologies

• Build a skilled, future-ready workforce