Apple (APPL) is opening an app development training center in Naples, Italy.
The iOS App Development Center, which is Apple’s first in Europe, aims to train “thousands of future developers to be part of Apple’s thriving developer community,” according to the Apple press release.
The news comes after the App Store experienced record sales over the holiday season: In the two weeks ending Jan. 3, Apple customers spent $1.1 billion in App Store purchases. On Jan. 1 alone, customers spent over $144 million.
In Italy, over 75,000 jobs are already related to the App Store, and Apple says that European developers have collectively earned more than $14 billion from app sales.
“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,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in the release. “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 plans to open more app development training centers around the world.