Apple expands Manufacturing Academy with virtual courses

Apple has added virtual programming to its Apple Manufacturing Academy to extend advanced manufacturing training to more small- and medium-sized businesses across the United States.

The online expansion, announced on Monday, is part of Apple’s plan to invest $600 billion in the US economy over the next four years and is intended to support the growth of the country’s advanced manufacturing sector.

Sabih Khan, Apple’s chief operating officer, said, “At Apple, we believe in the power of American ingenuity, and we’re proud to be delivering even more options to support small- and medium-sized companies across the country.”

He added that “by bringing the Apple Manufacturing Academy curriculum online, we’re opening the door for even more businesses and workers to build cutting-edge expertise, helping fuel U.S. competitiveness and support the growth of advanced manufacturing nationwide.”

The virtual courses, available from today, cover topics such as automation, predictive maintenance, quality control optimization, and machine learning with vision, and also include professional development content on communication and presentation skills.

Apple said this first set of online materials is the initial phase of the curriculum and will be expanded over time.

The Apple Manufacturing Academy, launched with Michigan State University in Detroit in August, has already provided hands-on training and consultation to more than 80 businesses from states including Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Utah.

The new virtual programming was developed by Michigan State University faculty and Apple industry experts. Apple explained that the courses are designed to give business owners and entrepreneurs flexible, on-demand access to training.

The recap

• Apple adds virtual programming to its Manufacturing Academy initiative.
• Courses cover automation, predictive maintenance and machine learning.
• Apple plans to expand the curriculum over time.