Google brings ‘Digital Garage’ to businesses in Scotland

Start-ups and small businesses in Scotland are to benefit from free digital skills training with the launch of Google’s latest ‘Digital Garage’ in Glasgow today.

The pop-up space at Mitchell Library – delivered in partnership with Glasgow City Council – will provide businesses owners, graduates and those looking for a career change with one-to-one digital mentoring and ‘masterclasses’.

The launch follows the success of similar initiatives in cities such as Leeds, Birmingham and Newcastle; Google claims 88% of businesses that attended one of these training sessions have changed the way they run or promote their business online while 68% have seen positive results ranging from increased sales and social media following to greater web traffic.

Using the ‘Digital Garage’ programme, Google aims to train over 250,000 people “to learn crucial skills for the digital age” by the end of 2016.

Keith Brown, cabinet secretary for economy, jobs and fair work, said of the scheme:

“Scotland already has exceptional digital talent and innovators. We recognise, however, we need to do more to help develop, nurture and expand digital skills across the country as a whole.

“The training and support delivered via Google’s Digital Garage is first class; I hope as many of our businesses and citizens as possible, at any age and stage, take advantage of this great opportunity to increase their digital skills and knowledge.”

The Glasgow Digital Garage will run until January 2017, to sign up for workshops click here.