The Digital Garage in Manchester was the first of its kind in the U.K., and it is funded by Google. On offer are sixteen courses, designed either for small businesses or for individuals. The subjects range from step-by-step support for people new to digital through to CV-building, interview techniques, small business workshops and intro to coding.
On paying a visit to the center, Digital Journal asked one of the volunteers who the Digital Garage was aimed up. The volunteer explained: “It’s everyone. No matter how limited your digital knowledge is. For individuals it’s people hoping to find work, change career or get a promotion. We also help students and we have many businesses who come along, both commercial and not-for-profit.”
There are some fun things as well, such a traditional looking piano which controls a video screen. Striking different keys on the piano scales opens up different video content.
Events specifically targeted at businesses include “improve your presentation skills over breakfast”, where food and refreshments are on offer. Like all of the events and courses, the presentations skill course is entirely free. The more popular courses for businesses are those which set out to teach local businesses, start-ups and marketeers how to think digital and how to grow their presence online.
There are also special events run aimed at different business sectors. In June 2018, for example, an event has been organized for charity staff and volunteers. These are free sessions, and the content includes: Building a Digital Marketing Plan, Social Media Strategy. Also on offer is thirty minutes of free coaching on all things digital and marketing.
For individuals seeking to boost their digital skills and with it their career prospects, some of the courses are accredited, with is useful for resumes.
Since the Manchester center opened other Digital Garages have opened up in the U.K. This forms part of Google’s goal help 100,000 people in the U.K. find a job or grow in their career. As well as at the center, some courses can be taken online.
The Google Digital Garage is located at 43 King St, Manchester M2 7AT, Manchester, U.K.
