Apple will open Europe's first iOS App Development Center with a view to giving "thousands" of students the skills and training they need to develop apps for its ever-growing marketplace.
The Development Center will be located in Naples, Italy, a country in which over 75,000 jobs are attributable to the App Store, according to Apple.
The Cupertino giant plans to support teachers and students with a specialized curriculum, and will work with partners around Italy to supplement its course and create additional opportunities for students.
Apple eventually expects to bring the program to other countries, although Apple CEO Tim Cook believes Italy was the natural starting point.
"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," said Cook.
Apple estimates that the App Store has helped developers in Europe rake in over €10.2 billion ($11 billion) since it launched back in 2008.