Well, there was a time (in feudalist society) wherein a guild around a particular trade would train their wannabe craftsman how to actually be a craftsman. In those days, parents begged guilds to take their children (12 year olds who at the time really had the responsibilities of an adult) so that they might learn a skill and make a life for themselves. The guild system also protected people from their land owners as they were organized.

So I suppose, a sort of non company specific, but rather trade specific sort of Workers Union might find it to their benefit to educate young people.