IBNS-CMEDIA: American tech major Apple is expanding its skill-building and training initiatives for people across its supply chain in India, introducing a new Apple Education Hub in Bengaluru and offering a broader suite of development courses at supplier facilities nationwide.
The Apple Education Hub, the first of its kind in India, has been launched in collaboration with the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and will begin offering courses starting in March.
The hub aims to serve as a central space where trainers and students can engage directly with educators specialized in digital learning, beginning with courses in digital literacy and Swift coding for beginners.
Apple is also expanding its suite of development courses for supplier employees at more than 25 supplier sites across India. The new curriculum, starting with Tata Electronics, will provide training in digital literacy, Swift coding, robotics, automation technology, and smart manufacturing. These programs are part of Apple’s $50 million global Supplier Employee Development Fund, which supports initiatives to enhance skills and career growth for people across Apple’s global supply chain.
“The same spirit of innovation that drives our products also guides our commitment to supporting people across our global supply chain,” said Sarah Chandler, Apple’s Vice President of Environment and Supply Chain Innovation. “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.”
Faculty from MAHE will train supplier trainers, who will then deliver sessions to larger employee groups, enabling broader access to the curriculum.
“This collaboration brings together Apple’s commitment to its supplier employees and Manipal’s experience in applied education to create meaningful opportunities for growth,” said Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor at MAHE. “Supplier communities sit at the heart of India’s manufacturing ecosystem, and investing in their skills is more important than ever.”
Apple’s global supply chain programs go beyond technical training, offering initiatives in rights awareness, professional and health education, and community resilience. Currently, Apple and its partners offer more than 75 courses for supplier employees in India.
Following the success of the robotics training program launched in December 2024, Apple plans to expand it to more sites this year. This program trains factory educators in robotics labs, who then customize the curriculum and deliver hands-on sessions at their respective facilities.
In addition to technical training, Apple is growing its Vocational Education for Persons with Disabilities program in India, recently launched with Salcomp.
This initiative has benefited more than 18,000 supplier employees globally and provides employment, professional development, and improved accessibility and inclusivity practices in Apple’s supply chain.
The program builds on Apple’s long-standing partnership with the nonprofit Enable India, ensuring workers with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect.

