Device maker Apple unveiled a $50 million Supplier Employee Development Fund, with the cash to be allocated to increasing worker skills at companies it uses and supporting initiatives from labour rights organisations.

The tech giant outlined the fund would partly be used to help amplify worker voices and builds on similar initiatives it has already undertaken.

Apple stated it would work with leading human rights agencies, universities and not-for-profit organisations. The ultimate aim is to improve conditions for employees across industry.

Among the programmes backed by the iPhone maker are those created by the International Labour Organisation for the technology sector, and the International Organisation for Migration.

Apple indicated it had offered physical and virtual education courses for employees working on its products since 2008, including sessions on technical and leadership skills.

“With the launch of the Supplier Employee Development Fund, Apple is significantly expanding the scope of these offerings,” it explained, noting it would allow workers to “develop the skills necessary for the jobs of today and tomorrow”.

By 2023, Apple expects more than 100,000 of its suppliers’ employees to participate in educational courses spanning subjects including coding, robotics, and advanced manufacturing fundamentals such as green manufacturing.