GOOGLE has launched its first “digital garage” in Scotland as part of efforts to train people to better use technology. Free coaching in areas such as CV building and staying safe online will be available at the hub launched in Edinburgh yesterday.
The tech giant opened its first digital garage in the UK three years ago. Ronan Harris, managing director of Google UK and Ireland, said: “Everyone should have access to the digital skills they need to grow their confidence, career or business online.
“That’s why we’re excited to bring the Google Digital Garage to Scotland, offering free skills training for local people and businesses. Whether you want to take your first steps online, find your next job, turn your passion into your business or launch a new idea, pop in to learn how with our expert coaches.”
Google is also running around 100 digital skills training events in and around Glasgow.
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson was at the Edinburgh opening. She said: “Finding people with the right technical skills is something employers say is their single biggest challenge, and one that is increasing. Yet, at the same time, we know one in five people in Scotland lack even the most basic digital skills.
“So we have a skills gap and people who’d love to work in the sector but don’t currently have the sufficient skills. That simply can’t go on. Tech and the digital economy is going to be vital if we are going to achieve economic growth in Scotland over the coming years.
“We all know the digital revolution is upon us and is only going to quicken up. It’s by working together – and exercising power responsibly – that we can make sure everyone benefits.”
Meanwhile, jobseekers will be able to ask Google to find “jobs near me” as the company makes its first foray into the UK’s recruitment sector.
The new feature will cut out the need to visit individual recruitment websites, Google said. The internet giant said its offering will make it easier to find jobs as it gathers openings from existing recruitment agencies into one place directly from its search engine.
Positions will be ranked on relevance and quality and spam detection software will be used to filter out any fraudulent job postings. People who have Gmail accounts can also choose to receive an email alert whenever a new job match comes up, or they can tap a button to keep track of an individual job post.
Google first introduced job searches in the US last year. A wider launch took in countries including India and South Africa.
The company says it has already connected tens of millions of people around the world to new job opportunities.
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