Google is bringing Grow with Google, the tech company’s initiative to help create economic opportunity, to Kentucky the week of July 15. To kickstart this work locally, Google is hosting free, daylong workshops at the Kenton County Public Library in Erlanger on June 17 to help local job seekers, small business owners, educators, and entrepreneurs improve their digital skills.
The program will start at 9:30 a.m. and runs through a 3:30 p.m. session. One-on-one coaching is available all day.
Registration is required at g.co/GrowKentucky.
A program is also being held in Bowling Green on July 19.
“Kentucky is a logistical epicenter, with 65% of the nation’s population only a days-drive away. This has helped Kentucky expand and encourage investment that is unprecedented for Kentucky. By bringing the ‘Grow with Google’ tour to the state, we are making a commitment to help develop a skilled workforce that can meet the needs of Kentucky’s growing economy,” said Erica Swanson, Google’s Head of Community Engagement.
In recognition that libraries have become centers for digital skills learning, ‘Grow with Google’ plans to visit libraries in every state, partnering with them to deliver digital skills trainings directly to community job seekers and small businesses. According to the American Library Association, nearly three-quarters of public libraries assist their patrons with job applications and interviewing skills, 90% help their patrons learn basic digital skills, and just under half provide access and assistance to entrepreneurs looking to start a business of their own.
“Strong digital skills are essential for everyone in today’s innovative economy, especially for jobseekers seeking assistance from the library,” said State Librarian Terry Manuel. “Every day, Kentuckians come through our libraries’ doors for assistance with starting their own businesses, seeking employment and improving their technical skills. By partnering with Google for “Grow with Google” events, we are able to present digital skills workshops that will bring job seekers, small business owners and entrepreneurs together at the public library, and provide a unique opportunity for them to interact and learn.”
Throughout the day Google staff will teach hands-on workshops for a variety of audiences. Local businesses can learn about online marketing and search engine optimization, while individuals can attend a session focused on best use of G Suite tools – Gmail, Google docs, and more. There will also be training for library staff and nonprofit leaders on a range of ‘Grow with Google’ free tools and curriculum so that they can continue to share resources with their patrons and customers. Attendees are welcome to drop in for a few sessions or stay all day and, outside of the specific workshops, can sign up for one-on-one 20-minute training sessions with Google staff.
Grow with Google aims to help address the skills gap by preparing Americans for middle-skill jobs, positions that require some skills but not four-year degrees. According to the National Middle Skills Initiative, middle-skills jobs account for 58% of the Kentucky labor force, yet only 48% of the state’s workers are trained for such jobs, creating a gap Google would like to help fill. A recent study by Burning Glass and Capital One found that more than 8 in 10 middle-skill jobs (82%) require digital skills. Overall, middle-skill jobs average $20 per hour.
In their 2018 Economic Impact Report, Google announced that 9,700 businesses in Kentucky generated $1.06 billion dollars in economic activity by using Google’s search and advertising tools.
To learn more about the free event and to register for the workshops, visit g.co/GrowKentucky. Space will be limited. Please register in advance. Google coaching does not require registration.