THE Google Digital Garage Bus is to visit Middlesbrough’s Centre Square next week.
The converted London bus will be parked close to Central Library on Wednesday, September 4 and will be offering IT training from 9.30am-5pm on a one-to-one basis.
The Google Digital Garage is one of Google’s flagship investment programmes in the UK, where anyone can come and learn free digital skills through a range of courses or 1:1 sessions. Since launching the Google Digital Garage in 2015, over 300,000 people have benefitted from Google’s free face-to-face training on digital know-how across 250 locations in the UK.
A number of Google trainers will be involved in delivering planned sessions on topics including staying safe online, spreadsheets for beginners and writing for social media.
It is the latest attraction to arrive in Centre Square in recent weeks following the incredibly successful Knife Angel sculpture and the popular book benches placed outside the library as part of a town-centre summer trail.
Cllr Mieka Smiles, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture and Communities, said: “Middlesbrough has a thriving digital sector and I’m delighted that the Google Bus has chosen Centre Square as one of its locations.
“The internet offers so much opportunity in terms of entrepreneurship and business – and helping our residents to gain confidence in this area from such a powerhouse is just fantastic.”
Ronan Harris, Google UK and Ireland Managing Director, said: “In the digital age, a basic understanding of how the online world works is useful and when it comes to business, it’s essential.
“We are delighted to bring the Google Bus to Middlesbrough and ensure everyone has access to free digital skills workshops and 1:1 coaching.
“We hope you’ll pop by and get the skills you need to grow your confidence, career or business.”