Apple launches $50 million supplier employee development fund

March 30, 2022

PRESS RELEASE

Apple launches $50 million supplier employee development fund

To support broader initiatives for people throughout its supply chain, Apple is partnering with the International Labor Organization, the International Organization for Migration, and education experts around the world.

Cupertino, California Apple today announced a $50 million Supplier Employee Development Fund that will expand access to learning opportunities and skills development. The fund also includes new and expanded partnerships with leading advocates, universities and nonprofits to drive Apple’s ongoing work to empower supplier employees and improve awareness and respect. labor rights in all sectors.

As part of the new $50 million commitment and building on Apple’s long history in the field, the company is working alongside supply chain partners to amplify the voice of workers. This includes supporting workers’ rights programs created by the International Labor Organization (ILO) for people in the electronics industry, and the work that the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is doing to expand rights trainings and expand its industry-leading responsible workforce recruitment tools. .

“We put people first in everything we do, and we’re proud to announce a new commitment to accelerate our progress and bring even more opportunities to people throughout our supply chain,” said Sarah Chandler, Apple’s Senior Director of Environment and Supply Chain. Innovation. “Together with advocates and education leaders, we continue to drive innovation to support people and the planet.”

“At IOM, we understand that supply chain accountability is complex and must be driven by innovation, results and partnerships,” said Amy Pope, IOM Deputy Director General for Management. and reform. “Improving people’s lives must be at the center of our concerns. The partnership between IOM and Apple has proven results in Apple’s own supply chain and paves the way for others in the industry. To bring about real change, we need global collaboration that engages workers, NGOs, government and industry. Apple’s new commitments will have tangible and meaningful benefits for workers around the world. »

Apple is also releasing its 16th annual People and Environment in Our Supply Chain report today, which provides a comprehensive account of how Apple and its suppliers support people throughout the supply chain. company, switch to clean energy and invest in advanced technologies.

New educational and career development opportunities

Apple has offered in-person and virtual training, skill-building and enrichment courses since 2008, giving people in its supply chain the opportunity to learn new technical and leadership skills. With the launch of the Supplier Employee Development Fund, Apple is dramatically expanding the reach of these offerings, with new educational resources for people in its supply chain – and surrounding communities – to develop the skills needed for today’s jobs. today and tomorrow.

The new training initiatives will make training and courses available to supplier employees around the world, with programs initially available for individuals in the United States, China, India and Vietnam. By 2023, Apple expects more than 100,000 supplier employees to participate in new learning opportunities — from leadership training and technical certifications to courses in coding, robotics and business fundamentals. advanced manufacturing, including green manufacturing.

These new initiatives build on Apple’s long-standing commitment to investing in people in its supply chain and promoting best manufacturing practices around the world. To date, Apple’s supplier employee training programs have reached more than 5 million people.

Expand and scale workers’ rights programs

As part of its Supplier Code of Conduct, Apple requires all suppliers to provide their employees with training on their labor rights. To date, more than 23 million people in Apple’s global supply chain have received essential worker rights training.

In partnership with IOM and ILO, United Nations agencies that advocate for workers’ rights, Apple will expand this work by creating new programs, training and worker feedback mechanisms that help ensure a safe and healthy work environment. respectful of people throughout its supply chain.

As part of its new Supplier Employee Development Fund, Apple is also announcing a variety of new and expanded partnerships with UN labor rights experts, organizations and agencies, including:

• A new partnership with the ILO to advance fundamental labor rights in electronics supply chains.

• A new initiative to scale a world-class digital worker rights training program across Apple’s supply chain.

• Expanding work with IOM to extend the Responsible Recruitment Toolkit – developed by Apple in partnership with IOM – across Apple’s supply chain, soon to be open source for businesses of all sectors.

• Develop communication platforms and publicize existing freelancer hotlines for supplier employees to share feedback or concerns about their workplace.

Learn more about Apple’s commitment to supporting and protecting people and the environment in its supply chain in its 2022 People and Environment in Our Supply Chain Progress Report.

About Apple

Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Apple’s five software platforms – iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS – deliver seamless experiences across all Apple devices and provide users with groundbreaking services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud . Apple’s more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and leaving the world a better place than we found it.

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