Residents and business owners based in Beverley and Holderness are invited to join Google and local MP Graham Stuart for a day of free workshops and mentoring sessions in Withernsea.
The sessions at the Shores Centre on Friday, November 15, have been curated after research found that both businesses and jobseekers would benefit from digital skills training, as just four per cent of small businesses feel that they are meeting their full potential on digital strategy, and only three per cent feel this for online sales and upskilling staff.
Recent figures from the UK Consumer Digital Index highlight the country’s digital skills shortage and show that almost a fifth (18 per cent) of adults lack the essential skills needed for the workplace. Google will be running varied sessions all day, from 45-minute in-depth training to 15-minute power sessions, alongside interactive networking opportunities.
Attendees from Beverley and Holderness’s small businesses can also benefit from private mentoring sessions with Google’s Digital Coaches, who are experts in their field, to focus on personal goals for their business growth.
This event has been organised in partnership with Mr Stuart, who will attend the event to learn more about how AI-powered technologies and digital skills can help small businesses to grow, careers to flourish, and ensure that people in every corner of the UK can make the most of the country’s growing digital economy.
Google continues to help support small businesses and jobseekers learn about AI and improve their digital skills, and this is one of 30 in-person digital skills training events taking place across the country in 2024 to help drive growth in the UK.
Google’s UK Economic Impact Report, compiled by Public First, highlighted that AI-powered innovation has the potential to create over £400 billion in economic value for the UK economy by 2030. This nationwide training programme is key to equipping everyone with the skills needed to unlock that economic growth.
Mr Stuart said: “I’m delighted to welcome Google to Withernsea on Friday, November 15. I am looking forward to meeting as many local businesses and residents as possible to find out more about how digital skills can benefit my constituency, and our businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents.”
Debbie Weinstein, managing director of Google UK & Ireland, said: “AI has captured the imaginations of people across the country, with several business owners and individuals now keen to learn how to use this transformative technology to take their ventures to the next level and supercharge their productivity.
“That’s why we’re excited to be able to bring our free AI-focused training – the ‘new fundamentals’ – to people in every corner of the UK to give everyone the opportunity to develop invaluable skills that generate nationwide growth.”
Jayne Nendick, CEO of the Shores Centre, said: “We are thrilled to host the Google Digital Garage. This initiative will provide individuals with access to complimentary digital skills workshops and personalised one-on-one coaching sessions.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to enhance their skills and drive their ventures forward. In today’s digital economy, 92 per cent of jobs require digital skills, yet one-third of workers lack even basic digital competencies.
“By participating in these workshops, individuals can significantly boost their employability potential. This programme not only empowers individuals but also contributes to a more skilled workforce, which is essential for driving economic growth in our community.”
To register for the event, visit rsvp.withgoogle.com/events/beverley-and-holderness-en.
