Apple Launches Virtual Manufacturing Academy

[MacRumors]

Apple today announced an expansion of the Apple Manufacturing Academy with a new set of virtual training programs for small- and medium-sized businesses across the United States.

The update marks the first time the Academy's training has been accessible online. It was previously only available via in-person sessions in Detroit. Apple describes it as a free resource intended to accelerate innovation among American manufacturers as part of its broader plan to invest $600 billion in the U.S. economy over the next four years.

Apple said the new online courses cover a range of advanced manufacturing topics, including automation, predictive maintenance, quality control optimization, and the use of machine learning with vision systems. The training program also incorporates professional development content on communication and presentation skills to help participants prepare for operational and leadership roles.

The expanded program is intended to increase access for companies that have not been able to attend in-person sessions. Launched in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) in August, the Apple Manufacturing Academy has already provided hands-on training and consultation to more than 80 businesses from Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Utah.

Businesses enrolled in virtual programming at manufacturingacademy.msu.edu. The current learning materials form the initial phase of what Apple says will be a continuously expanding digital curriculum.

Article Link: Apple Launches Virtual Manufacturing Academy

 

[MacUserFella]

They should launch an Apple Executive Manufacturing Machine

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Wouldn’t trust anything with Apple and Virtual in the same sentence

 

[anakin44011]

All snarky-ness aside, this is exactly what big companies (especially tech companies) should be doing. The US is behind in many areas of manufacturing. Correcting this starts with:
1. Getting kids and young adults to see value in working in the manufacturing sector (it isn't all mindless, dirty blue-collar jobs)
2. Helping manufacturers understand how to do more with less/fewer resources (mitigating wasted time, space, and labor...and yes, that means fewer people doing more), so that more investments can be made in domestic manufacturing.

Opening this up to small and mid-sized manufacturers can only help. And making it free!?!

 

[Plutonius]

I wonder if the virtual academy will use the virtual Siri AI /S .

 

[stainless]

@anakin44011 Exactly!!

China is all about sharing and helping others, because they realize they need small mom & pop business to make the small meaning less parts that aren't profitable for a corporation BUT profitable enough to support a small business!

Apple, all be it late in the game, is offering some helpful information and direction for small manufacturers here in the US.

The only way the US is going to compete is through automation! There is going to be tremendous opportunities for today kids in AI and Automation, if they learn the manufacturing processes, they can be creation monsters!

 

[roaduardo]

It’s interesting the contrast between the efforts Apple made when they went into China all those years ago to train thousands and thousands of Chinese workers. Giving their industry such a massive leg up in terms of tech manufacturing and now they are what they are because in no small part to Apple.

Now they’re trying to do that here but it seems like a very smaller scale and basically too little too late?

 

[svish]

Good to know about this. Would like to see this expand as well as actual manufacturing.