Google launches digital academy in London to help up-skill UK start-ups

Google is to launch a digital skills academy in London to help up-skill UK tech entrepreneurs and start-ups.

Announced during London Technology Week (LTW), the Academy, a 40,000-square foot learning hub will see Googlers and external industry educate businesses in a “uniquely Googley environment” – with lessons open to everyone from schoolchildren to CEOs.

Attempting to help bridge the current digital skills gap that exists in the UK, the space will also seek to hosts events in conjunction with the government and various charitable organisations to further help promote digital learning.

The Academy will also comprise of a range of unique retro Brighton themed spaces including an electric cinema, beach and funfair-styled auditoriums and a stripped back co-working space.

The news follows the previous announcement Google will open its new headquarters in London – providing up to 3,000 new jobs by 2020.

Ronan Harris, managing director of Google UK, said:

“London’s ambition to grow, harness new technologies, and build the brightest and best companies has been a constant over the last decade.

“When the tech community with industries ranging from fashion and music to automotives and AI have worked in partnership with government, the mayor’s office and passionate communities supporting start-ups and scale-ups, new jobs have been created and London has shown it can lead the way in a competitive global environment.

“It’s fantastic to welcome London Tech Week to Google’s new academy to discuss how we can ensure the next decade of growth for our capital city.

“With over 40,000 sqft of innovative educational space in central London The Academy has been created to educate and inspire everyone from schoolchildren to CEOs as part of Google’s plans to help build digital capability across the country.”

Rajesh Agrawal, deputy mayor for business, said:

“London Tech Week is shining a light on this incredibly important sector of our economy.”

“The capital is already home to some of the best tech and creative minds in the world but we must continue to ensure that our city’s workforce has the right skills to meet the jobs of tomorrow.

“I am pleased that Google is helping to make digital training and educational programmes available to people from all backgrounds.

“Schemes like this perfectly compliment the mayor’s Digital Talent Programme that will nurture the next generation of digital enthusiasts so we can continue to provide all businesses in London with much-needed home-grown digital talent.”