Apple on Wednesday revealed a new Supplier Employee Development Fund that will offer $50 million to expand access to learning and skills development.
The fund includes new partnerships with leading right advocates, universities, and nonprofits, Apple said. Cupertino will also focus on working alongside supply chain partners to “amplify worker voice” and support rights programs.
Apple’s new Supplier Employee Development Fund
“We put people first in everything that we do, and we’re proud to announce a new commitment to accelerate our progress and provide even more opportunities for people across our supply chain,” said Sarah Chandler, Apple’s senior director of Environment and Supply Chain Innovation.
“Together with rights advocates and education leaders, we are continuing to drive new innovation to support people and the planet.”
The fund significantly expands upon the virtual training, skill-building and enrichment courses Apple has been offering supply chain workers since 2008. Its new educational resources will give employees an opportunity to “develop the skills necessary for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” it said.
Available around the world
Its $50 million commitment will make training available to workers around the world, starting with individuals in the U.S., China, India, and Vietnam. By 2033, Apple expects more than 100,000 supplier employees to participate.
The program will offer leadership training, technical certifications, and classes on coding, robotics, and advanced manufacturing fundamentals. It will also push for the respect of workplace rights across multiple industries.
Apple already requires all its suppliers to provide employees with training on their workforce rights. It said that more than 23 million people around the world have received critical worker rights training as a result.
“Apple will expand this work, creating new programs, trainings, and worker feedback mechanisms that help ensure a safe, respectful work environment for people across its supply chain,” it added.
New partnerships
Apple’s new fund will also include a bunch of new and expanded partnerships with labor rights organizations, including the International Labour Organization and the International Organization for Migration.
You can find out more on the company’s website, where you can also read its 2022 People and Environment in Our Supply Chain Progress Report.
