Sheffield to host first Google digital training centre on British High Street

Sheffield has been named as the first UK city to host Google’s first ever digital skills training centre, located on the high street.

Based on Barker’s Pool in the city centre, the Digital Garage will offer free digital skills training seven days a week for six months.

Attendees will be able to learn digital skills, from how to develop their web presence, grow their business or charities online, improve their career prospects and build their confidence by using online tools for the first time.

More than 90% of jobs will require digital literacy in the near future and, according to the British Chambers of Commerce, 76% of businesses in the UK say they have a shortage of digital skills in their workforce.

To help address the digital skills gap, Google is returning to Yorkshire for the second time after launching the Digital Garage programme in Leeds in 2015.

Since then, the Digital Garage has helped give more than 150,000 people across the country the digital skills to succeed, through pop ups in Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester and Cardiff.

IPPR North research has found that over 88% of attendees of previous Digital Garage events have changed the way they run or promote their business online, with 68% saying they had seen positive results in increased sales, bookings, web traffic or social media after attending Google’s free training.

Louise Haigh, Shadow Digital Economy Minister, said: “This is a major coup for Sheffield. With investment in the city centre and major businesses choosing to make Sheffield home, now could not be a better time for the leading digital business on the planet to come.

“Too many small businesses lack the digital skills needed to unlock growth because the training isn’t available. Bringing Google’s experts to Sheffield will change that and thousands of businesses will benefit during their stay. With our world-leading video games industry our ambition should be to make Sheffield the UK’s digital centre which will bring with it high-paid jobs for local people.”

Torsten Schuppe, Google EMEA VP Marketing, added: “Torsten Schuppe, Google EMEA VP Marketing, 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 here to ensure everyone in Sheffield has access to the best free training and advice and are particularly excited to open the first ever Google digital skills training centre on a British high street right here in the Sheffield city centre.

“This will make it even easier for you to just pop in and get the skills you need to find opportunities to excel in what matters most to you, grow your business, or launch the next big idea.”

Edward Highfield, director of City Growth at Sheffield City Council, also commented: “We are delighted to welcome Google’s Digital Garage to Sheffield, a fantastic addition to the heart of our city centre.

“We know there is still more to be done to empower people to use the internet and tackle the issues that prevent people from engaging with rapidly changing digital culture.

“We encourage everyone to take full advantage of this unique opportunity, and look forward to seeing how Google can build even further on Sheffield’s reputation for growth, innovation and business success.”

The Google Digital Garage will be delivered in partnership with Sheffield City Council and local partners including The Good Things Foundation, a charity that supports the digitally and socially excluded to improve their lives through digital.