Free help to get online and make the most of the internet this summer

The double decker bus, which has been transformed into a digital training hub, will roll into Grangemouth, Lanark and Johnstone in August, offering people of all ages free one-to-one and workshop training.

The free training on offer covers topics including ‘Taking your first steps online’, ‘How to build your CV and personal brand online’, ‘Online safety and security’ and ‘Social media strategy’, and ranges from beginner to intermediate levels - so anyone can take part. Visitors can book in advance or simply drop by for on-the-spot help.

Google’s bus tour is part of its Digital Garage initiative, which provides free learning and skills training to people across the UK so they have the knowledge they need to make the internet work for them. It also follows a successful launch of a high street training hub in the centre of Edinburgh.

Sessions will take place at the following times and places:

Thursday 2nd August: Inchyra Place, Grangemouth, FK3 9EQ
Tuesday 14th August: Smyllum Road, Lanark, ML11 7DD
Wednesday 15th August: Johnstone Town Hall, 25 Church St, Johnstone, PA5 8EG

Dan Blake, Loretto’s Head of Housing, said: “The Google Digital Garage bus tour means anyone can stop by and learn more about the internet, or develop new skills. Getting online and using the internet is more and more important and it is so important that we do all we can to help remove some of the barriers that people are facing.

“Universal Credit  has already been rolled out in North and South Lanarkshire and Falkirk and people who are on Universal Credit need to make their claims online, so helping people use computers and the internet is really important”.

Anyone interested in the free coaching can register and see the full bus tour itinerary at g.co/ScotlandGarage.