Apple expands educational program for its supply-chain workers in Vietnam

Apple has announced the expansion of its Supplier Employee Development Fund, an educational program aimed at workers within its supply chain. This initiative, valued at $50 million, will see the introduction of a new Apple Education Center in Vietnam. The shift towards Vietnam as a key manufacturing hub comes as Apple seeks to diversify its production beyond China. The Vietnamese center operates in collaboration with Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST).

In 2022, Apple launched its Supplier Employee Development Fund in response to welfare concerns among its workers. The fund, backed by £50 million, focuses on education and respect for worker rights. It seeks to broaden access to learning opportunities and skill development. Partnerships with rights advocates, universities, and nonprofits are included to enhance Apple's efforts in empowering supplier employees and promoting awareness of workplace rights across industries.

Previously, the fund concentrated on training for individuals with disabilities. However, this latest initiative in Vietnam echoes a similar approach introduced in India earlier this year. The center will offer technical programs, including basic knowledge of smart manufacturing, robotics, and automation technology. In addition to technical training, it will provide comprehensive professional development courses, covering leadership soft skills and line-up training.

These programs aim to equip students with the capacity to advance in their current roles or embark on a new career journey.

Since its inception, the program has delivered 9 million training sessions globally, with 108,000 supply chain employees participating in a Swift coding program.