Apple’s new European iOS App Development Center, announced back in January, is about to officially launch as the Università di Napoli Federico II in Italy today confirms it has partnered with Apple on the initiative (via Macerkopf).
When Apple first announced its plans for the new development center, the first of its kind to offer training for app developers in Europe, it didn’t say which school it would be partnering with to push the specialized curriculum. Today it confirmed the Università di Napoli Federico II will play host to the “iOS Developer Academy” with a dedicated facility that will offer Apple’s specialized app development training to a couple hundred students.
The program will begin in October and last nine months.
The first semester of the program will focus on software development for iOS, while the second half will go beyond coding with courses on startups and app design.
Students will take part in a nine month curriculum designed and supported by Apple, with a dedicated facility at the new Campus in San Giovanni a Teduccio. The facility includes labs and access to the latest Apple hardware and software.
“We are thrilled to be working with Universita’ di Napoli Federico II to launch the first iOS Developer Academy in Europe,” said Luca Maestri, Apple’s CFO.”Some of the most creative developers in the world come from Europe, and we are confident this center will help the next generation get the skills they need for success.”
Apple has partnered now officially with Università di Napoli Federico II, but it also noted at the time of its original announcement that it would “work with partners around Italy who deliver developer training to complement this curriculum and create additional opportunities for students.”
The program is free to students in Italy and Europe that pass an initial entry test and interview. There are also limited scholarships available that will cover living expenses for some students, and the university is looking for developers, designers and academics interested in teaching. You can apply at www.unina.it
Apple said that it eventually plans to expand the program to countries outside of Italy and around the globe.
