Google opens digital garage in Manchester to boost digital skills for free

Google has opened a new Digital Garage in Manchester as part of a drive to help thousands of people improve their digital skills for free.

Anyone will be able to get free face-to-face expert coaching or join-up to courses in online tools to help grow their career prospects.

The tech giant has announced a new goal to help 100,000 people in the UK find a job or grow in their career by offering free digital skills in more than 200 towns and cities.

Courses on offer include how to build your CV and personal brand online, coding and social media strategy, ranging from beginner to intermediate levels.

Ruth Porat, senior vice president and chief financial officer, Alphabet and Google, said: "We believe there's an opportunity gap as digital skills become ever more important in the workplace.

"Recognising this, Google is committed to help 100,000 people in Manchester and across the UK find a job or grow their career with new digital skills during the course of the next three years."

Angela Burnett, local business owner at Speedy Couriers, first visited the Google Digital Garage when it operated from the city's main library.

She said: "I attended the Digital Garage when it was first here two years ago and I attribute most of the success of my company to it.

"I also completed all the free online courses and have since reaped the benefits - taking my business from a small start-up in my parents' bedroom to a successful company with 2,000 drivers. I'd encourage everyone to visit and try it out."

The Google Digital Garage in Manchester, which will be open seven days a week for a year, opened on King Street in the city centre on Monday.

Anyone can sign up for free classes at g.co/manchestergarage