Apple's first Manufacturing Academy has taken place in Detroit, with early attendees hopeful that it will help them grow their businesses.
The first of its kind in the United States, the Detroit Manufacturing Academy is designed to provide a program of advanced manufacturing skills to US-based workers and business owners.
Apple has committed to investing $500 billion in US businesses, and this two-day program is part of that initiative. It was run in collaboration with Michigan State University and is run with small and medium-sized businesses in mind.
The first event, which kicked off on August 19, has drawn praise from early attendees.
"I learned so much," Lorraine's Premium BBQ Sauce founder Larry Crockett told Detroit News. "I just appreciate making this platform, and it's just my luck it's located in Detroit."
Another company to benefit from Apple's free event was Detroit-based Motoren Solutions, a company that provides protective equipment to the auto industry. Clarke Ross, the company's owner, believes that his business can learn from 's success when growing his three-person team.
"They've proven success over and over again, and I hope to use those same tools to help me exceed as well," Ross told WXYZ Detroit.
Jamie Herrera, Director of Product Operations at Apple, says that the academy will help businesses learn how to find manufacturing efficiencies to take things to the next level. Business owners will also be able to network and get 1-on-1s with Apple engineers and other experts to "dig even deeper into challenges they may be facing."
The Apple Manufacturing Academy runs a series of courses, including hands-on training. While dozens of companies are said to already be working with it, Apple is also expected to expand its offering in the future.
Apple is also set to add virtual courses to its in-person courses later in 2025.
