Apple has begun training its AppleCare support staff on its upcoming OS X Mavericks, according to several sources. These sources say that training has begun today, and support staff will be required to learn about the operating system’s new features, installation process, and troubleshooting options for at least six hours over the course of the next few weeks…

The training is said to be similar in secrecy and style to the iOS 7 and iTunes Radio training, and it has yet to begin for all AppleCare employees. AppleCare advisors will learn the OS X Mavericks materials in small groups in order to prevent information about the training process from becoming public knowledge.

We first reported that Apple would release OS X Mavericks toward the end of October. With AppleCare starting training today, it seems likely that Apple is still targeting a launch for later this month.

OS X Mavericks includes several new features and enhancements, including Finder Tabs & Tags, an iBooks application, Maps integration, a redesigned Calendar, improved performance, bolstered multiple-monitor support, improved handling of notifications, and iCloud Keychain. The new OS will likely be available via the Mac App Store, but Apple is yet to announce pricing information.