On 3rd February The Google Digital Garage on Tour rolled into Harlow, where an invited audience of local businesses, College staff and Digital & IT apprentices were given a masterclass in learning crucial skills for the digital age.

The event was opened by Robert Halfon MP and Minister of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, who talked about his own passion for digital skills and social media.

Over two sessions, Google experts guided aspiring entrepreneurs through subjects such as harnessing the power of the web; boosting social media presence; understanding digital marketing and using online marketing tools to reach prospective customers.

The Digital Garage on Tour has been designed to support and advise businesses regardless of their technical expertise – from complete tech novices creating their first website through to improving an existing website and online marketing. You can choose the topics you want to learn, or complete the whole online course for a certification from Google and IAB Europe.

Telling your story online is a powerful way to reach new clients, says Abbey Oladapo, a member of Google’s Digital Garage Training team, who has delivered training across the country:

“The UK has one of the most advanced digital economies in the world, with digital being central to the current data revolution. It’s vital that we have a better understanding and better use of the technologies that are out there. Where businesses identify shortfalls in this area, The Digital Garage Training team help to bridge that gap.

"The audience today were really engaged and asked some really good questions which shows that digital cuts across all industries – no matter what you’re doing, you have to have a presence online.”

Karen Spencer, Principal of Harlow College, said of the event:

“It was a privilege to host the Google Digital Garage at Harlow College. As educators we know the benefit strong digital skills bring to both young people and adults, in terms of careers and new opportunities. It’s fantastic to learn from a top tech-company like Google and everyone took away something from the event.”