Apple University is coming to China, sooner rather than later, according to reports.

As Apple expands its profile in China with robust sales of iPhone and other products, Apple seeks to expand the management-training program it launched at its Cupertino, Calif. headquarters in 2008.

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Steve Jobs, and other leading executives in Apple's resurgence, created the program along with Joel Podolny, former Yale University Business School Dean. to encourage and grow company culture and quality.

Podolny, now Apple vice president and dean of Apple University, was in China this week interviewing candidates for the top spot at Apple University of China. Whoever is chosen will be key to Apple's plans to make a big-time splash in China over the next few years, cementing its position as a leading global company.

The move marks the first time Apple is expanding its university program outside the U.S. Analysts called it an indication the company planned to go beyond sales and operations in China. The new university will be heavy on manufacturing and product engineering classes due to China being home to many Apple suppliers.

Meeting with China retail operations staff during his visit last week, Cook said Apple University in China would teach the company culture and history to its increasing number of Chinese managers and employees. He said Apple was looking forward, not backwards, and didn't want any weak links in its work in China.

Apple has 5,000 employees in China. They work in corporate, marketing, operations and retail divisions. With 12 Apple stores, the company has corporate offices in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Beijing.

Apple plans to expand to 40 stores over the next two years and continue beefing up its research and development departments. Cook said Apple wanted to expand even more rapidly, but didn't want to spread its resources too thin.

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