Apple is launching its very first European developer centre in Italy.
The iOS App Development Centre is designed to give students practical skills and training on developing iOS apps.
The centre will be located at a partner institution in Naples, and will support teachers in providing a special curriculum designed to prepare thousands of future iOS developers.
Speaking about the move, Apple CEO Tim Cook said: “Europe is home to some of the most creative developers in the world and we’re thrilled to be helping the next generation of entrepreneurs in Italy get the skills they need for success.
“The phenomenal success of the App Store is one of the driving forces behind the more than 1.4 million jobs Apple has created in Europe and presents unlimited opportunities for people of all ages and businesses of all sizes across the continent.”
Apple claims its ecosystem supports over 1.4m jobs – with 75,000 in Italy – and has helped developers in Europe earn over €10.2bn from selling apps around the world.
Apple said it plans to expand the iOS App Development Centre program to other countries around the world.