Apple to offer free Hour of Code programming workshops again this year

From today you can register for Apple’s free Hour of Code – a workshop that can teach children the basics of computer science and perhaps inspire a career in the tech industry.

Hour of Code will run at all 457 Apple Stores around the world from December 5-11 and is one of the most popular events that Apple runs.

The program is run in conjunction with Code.org and uses interactive development tool Swift Playgrounds in the workshops as well.

“Hour of Code embodies our vision for Apple stores as a place for the community to gather, learn and be entertained,” said Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail.

“We’re proud to introduce the Swift Playgrounds app into the workshops and honoured to again work side-by-side with Code.org on this incredibly important initiative.

“Hour of Code is one of the absolute highlights of the year for both our teams and the families that visit our stores.”

Hour of Code kicked off back in 2013 and Apple has increased its participation in the program year on year to introduce more kids to computer science.

“The global footprint Apple offers through its stores and talented staff has reached tens of thousands of kids, and with the introduction of Hour of Code in Swift Playgrounds we can introduce coding to even more.” said Hadi Partovi, founder and CEO of Code.org.

Swift Playground is a free app for the iPad – a tool that teaches coding and encourages exploration of the possibilities.

Swift is Apple’s easy-to-learn programming language and is used by professional developers to create today’s leading apps.

“Coding is just like any language, the earlier you’re exposed the more successful you’ll be,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering.

“Whether at an Apple Store, in a classroom, or at home with an iPad, Swift Playgrounds brings real coding concepts to life and empowers the next generation with the skills they need to express their creativity.”

Hour of Code runs from December 5-11 and you can register here.