Apple announced the launch of a $5000 million Supplier Employee Development Fund to further invest in supply chain companies, enabling them to enhance the capabilities of their employees and thereby promote industry understanding and respect for workplace rights.
At the same time, the fund will expand cooperation and establish new partnerships with rights advocacy leaders, universities and non-profit organizations. It will also work with the International Labor Organization, the International Organization for Migration, and education experts around the world to further promote the overall competitiveness of cooperative supply chains.
Since 2008, Apple has provided its supply chain partners with access to new technologies and leadership skills through in-person and online education, as well as skills development and enrichment programs. Following the launch of the Supplier Workforce Development Fund, Apple has expanded this program to provide supply chain workers and related communities with access to new educational resources, helping them develop the skills necessary for future jobs.
This fund will initially be provided to supply chain workers in the United States, China, India, Vietnam and other regions. Apple expects that by 2023, more than 10 supply chain employees will participate in new learning opportunities and acquire leadership skills and technical certifications covering programming, robotics and advanced manufacturing basics (including green manufacturing).
Apple also stated that more than 500 million people have benefited from its supplier employee education program, and that this is a commitment to long-term investment in the supply chain and promotion of global manufacturing.
In addition, Apple is also working with the International Organization for Migration and the International Labor Organization, two UN agencies that advocate for labor rights, to promote the establishment of new programs, training and labor feedback mechanisms to ensure that supply chain workers are safe in the workplace and can work in a respectful environment.
As part of its Supplier Employee Development Fund, Apple has established various partnerships with labor rights experts, organizations, and UN agencies to promote basic labor rights in its supply chain. It also promotes digital employee rights training programs and works with the International Organization for Migration to develop a responsible recruitment program. It also provides an independent labor hotline for supplier employees to raise concerns about their workplace.
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