Apple is keeping its promise to invest in the skills required for a future resurgence in US manufacturing with news that the Apple Manufacturing Academy will open in Detroit on August 19.
The Apple Manufacturing Academy will offer free programming to train and support American businesses, innovators, and manufacturers.
It forms part of the realization of Apple’s promise to spend over $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years. The company points out that this investment builds on the company’s long history of investment in American innovation and advanced manufacturing.
What Apple said
“We’re thrilled to welcome companies from across the country to the Apple Manufacturing Academy starting next month,” said Sabih Khan, Apple’s chief operating officer in a statement.
The company stresses that it already works with suppliers in all 50 states, but Khan pressed this point, saying, “We know advanced manufacturing is vital to American innovation and leadership. With this new programming, we’re thrilled to help even more businesses implement smart manufacturing so they can unlock amazing opportunities for their companies and our country.”
He’s right, of course – the future of manufacturing dominance will not be realized by transporting mundane, low-value jobs to North America’s tectonic plate, but by creating the next-generation of highly paid, technologically advanced employments. Back to the future, in other words.
What happens at Apple Manufacturing Academy?
From August 19, Apple, in partnership with Michigan State University, will host small and medium-sized businesses from across the country in Detroit for various workshops with Apple experts.
The courses are designed to help American companies transition to advanced manufacturing by implementing artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing techniques.
Unlike Fight Club, Apple seems willing to share a little of what to expect from the Academy, which will become a center of excellence for Industry 4.0. Among other topics, sessions will focus on:
- Machine learning and deep learning in manufacturing.
- Automation in the product manufacturing industry.
- Leveraging manufacturing data to improve product quality.
- The application of digital technologies to enhance operations.
In addition to in-person courses, Apple engineers are already consulting with American companies to help them drive productivity, efficiency, and quality in their supply chains.
Consulting services are available both virtually and in person.
Later this year, the academy will also offer virtual programming, with a skills development curriculum that teaches workers vital skills like project management and manufacturing process optimization.
Businesses interested in registering for courses or consultations should visit manufacturingacademy.msu.edu.
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