Apple opens first education hub in Bengaluru to train supplier workforce

Apple launches Bengaluru Education Hub with MAHE to train supplier employees in coding, robotics, and smart manufacturing skills

Apple has announced the launch of its first Education Hub in India, located in Bengaluru, to provide advanced training and skill development for employees across its supplier ecosystem. The initiative, unveiled on February 4, is being set up in collaboration with the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and is designed to strengthen digital literacy and modern manufacturing capabilities among supplier staff.

The new hub will deliver structured courses in Swift coding, robotics, automation, and smart manufacturing practices. The first batch of training is scheduled to begin in March, starting with employees at Tata Electronics’ facility before expanding to other supplier sites.

Apple confirmed that the Bengaluru hub is part of its $50 million global Supplier Employee Development Fund, which supports professional growth across its worldwide supply chain. Sarah Chandler, Vice President of Environment and Supply Chain Innovation, said the programme reflects Apple’s commitment to workforce development alongside product innovation. She emphasized that expanding technical training in India will help thousands of employees acquire new skills and unlock career growth opportunities.

MAHE will design and deliver the curriculum, focusing on applied, industry-relevant modules rather than purely academic instruction. Vice Chancellor Lt Gen (Dr) M.D. Venkatesh noted that targeted skill investment is crucial as India’s manufacturing ecosystem increasingly adopts automation and digital systems. The programme will combine classroom learning with hands-on lab and workshop exposure.

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Apple plans to extend the Education Hub model to more than 25 supplier sites across India later this year. Expanded courses will cover robotics integration, automation systems, smart factory tools, and other emerging technologies, ensuring supplier employees remain future-ready. Currently, Apple and its partners offer over 75 training courses in India, and the new hub aims to standardize and deepen these efforts.

The company highlighted its focus on inclusive training, extending opportunities to employees with disabilities. Similar programmes are already running at supplier facilities such as Salcomp, with Apple reporting that more than 18,000 differently-abled workers globally have benefited from its training initiatives.

Industry experts believe the Bengaluru hub could enhance productivity, quality standards, and worker mobility while supporting Apple’s broader manufacturing expansion in India.

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