Apple opens its first training center in Southeast Asia in Hanoi
The center will begin in-person, online and hands-on courses in manufacturing technology from fall 2026, in addition to leadership professional development programs and production line leader training. Participating parties are personnel of suppliers in Apple's supply chain.
This is the first time this model appears in Vietnam as well as Southeast Asia and is one of four Apple training centers in the world, along with in the US, China and India.
Ms. Sarah Chandler, Apple's Vice President of Supply Chain Innovation and Environment, said the implementation of the training model in Vietnam aims to help thousands of workers access new skills and more career development opportunities.
"Vietnam is an important part of our supply chain. The center helps create a strong, innovative workforce and a more solid supply chain," she shared with VnExpress at the center's opening event on the morning of August 27.
An Apple representative said that 10 million supplier employees have accessed a series of training programs over the years. The goal of the education center in Hanoi is to supplement previous online training programs with face-to-face learning. "We strive to prepare workers not only for current jobs but also for future high-tech jobs. From there, Apple hopes to create a lasting impact on the future of manufacturing in Vietnam," said Ms. Sarah Chandler.
Prof. Dr. Le Anh Tuan, Director of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, said that this cooperation contributes to improving research efficiency and training high-quality human resources in technology industries. The project originated from the school representative's business trip to the US in 2024, including a visit to Apple Park in Cupertino. After a process of discussion and agreement with Apple's specialized departments for more than a year, the two sides officially launched the center.
"Apple's help is aimed at a target group that we find very important: workers in factories. They are the people who will soon see the impact of technology, when automation and AI are deployed rapidly in the coming period," said Associate Professor Dr. Ta Hai Tung, Deputy Director of Hanoi University of Science and Technology. According to him, Vietnamese workers are very young and well-trained, so if they are equipped with the necessary skills, they will quickly advance in their careers and not be left behind.
The model is invested in by the US technology company's $50 million Supplier Employee Development Fund. The fund launched in 2022, with the goal of investing in human resources in the supply chain and has sponsored more than 9 million learning sessions to date. In addition to professional training, the foundation also sponsors programs on workplace rights and health education.
Apple also said it intends to launch a vocational education program for people with disabilities in Vietnam this year.
According to the latest Apple Supplier List report, the company has 35 suppliers with factories in Vietnam and regularly recruits operations, engineering, production and supply chain positions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Tuan Hung - Nam Nguyen