Tech giant also planning to offer free courses to upskill workers
Tech giant Apple has announced that it plans to hire around 20,000 people in the next four years as part of its $500-billion investment in the United States.
Apple announced in a media release that a vast majority of the roles will be focused on research and development (R&D), silicon engineering, software development, as well as AI and machine learning.
"The expanded commitment includes significant investment in Apple's R&D hubs across the country," its statement read. "This includes growing teams across the U.S. focused on areas including custom silicon, hardware engineering, software development, artificial intelligence, and machine learning."
Apple is currently supporting more than 2.9 million jobs across the country through direct employment, work with US-based suppliers and manufacturers, as well as developer jobs in the iOS app economy.
Apple also announced that it will open the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit to help companies transition to advanced manufacturing.
"Apple engineers, along with experts from top universities such as Michigan State, will consult with small- and medium-sized businesses on implementing AI and smart manufacturing techniques," it said.
The academy will also offer free in-person and online courses to teach workers vital skills, such as project management and manufacturing process optimisation.
"The courses will help drive productivity, efficiency, and quality in companies' supply chains," it said.
The initiatives stem from the $500-billion commitment that Apple announced on Monday, which it described as its "largest-ever spend commitment."
"We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country's future," said Apple CEO Tim Cook in a statement.
"We'll keep working with people and companies across this country to help write an extraordinary new chapter in the history of American innovation."
Apple's massive hiring drive comes in the wake of widespread layoffs, even at Apple, over the past years. The tech giant laid off 614 employees last year, noted as its first big wave of post-pandemic job cuts.
Its upcoming academy's new courses also arrive at a time when experts are calling on employers to upskill their staff amid the growing adoption of AI in workplaces.
Findings from ADP Research early this year revealed that only 24% of the global workforce feel confident that they have the skills to advance at work, with only 17% agreeing that their employers are investing in the skills they need for career advancement.
