Go West! Google provides free digital skills training to Perth and Rockingham communities

Grow with Google has wrapped up 2019 by taking the free digital skills program to Perth and Rockingham for the first time.

First up, we ran workshops in Herne Hill at the local Swan Settlers Market on the outskirts of Perth where 100 local business owners and entrepreneurs picked up new skills and tips on things like how to grow their presence online, be found by new customers, and gain insights into their customers’ needs. We also ran sessions for local job seekers, teachers and students.

A big thank you to West Australian Senator Matt O'Sullivan who represented Federal Member for Pearce and Attorney-General Christian Porter in officially opening the event. And to local caterers Little Lamonts, Mr Cannolo, Perth Bells and Juice Station for providing the sustenance throughout the day and local baristas from The Black Moustache Coffee Co. who provided the caffeine hits! 

From there we headed down the highway to Rockingham (aka “Rocko”) for sessions with another 80 business owners - and were joined by local Federal Member for Brand and Shadow Minister for Trade Madeleine King MP.

It was great hearing feedback from locals at both events that they picked up something new - even though they were all at different stages in the digital journey.

A report released by AlphaBeta in September found that Google’s advertising and productivity platforms were helping more than a million Aussie businesses and had helped deliver business benefits of $35 billion so far this year - including supporting 13,300 West Australian jobs through our economic activity.

As we wrap up 2019 and reflect on what we’ve done and where we’ve been, we’re so thrilled to have worked with so many wonderful communities across Australia to learn and share new digital skills that will help people grow their businesses, careers and lives.

And we passed an important milestone, too, with Google now having trained more than half a million Aussies through our travelling digital skills workshops and other STEM outreach and curriculum support we are providing through the education system.

But there’s still much to do! We can’t wait to get back out on the road in 2020 to visit even more communities in all corners of the country, so that we’re supporting future jobs, economic growth and prosperity in Australia.

While the events have wrapped up for 2019, you can still access tips and resources online at http://g.co/GrowAustralia

A big thank you to the communities, business chambers, government agencies, the Walkley Foundation and the Google team who helped make Grow with Google a great success this year. See you in 2020!