Google to open up 600 more slots under its digital-skills training programme

AT a virtual graduation ceremony on Tuesday, Google Singapore's country director Ben King announced that the company would be opening up an additional 600 slots for its Skills Ignition SG programme, which is focused on teaching digital skills such as cloud technology and digital marketing.

The programme, which has enrolled over 2,600 participants to date, is set to benefit a total of 3,600 people, up from Google's earlier projection of 3,000.

Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo, who was present at the event as the guest-of-honour, congratulated the graduates, which include a mix of fresh university graduates as well as some who were in the middle of a mid-career switch.

Speaking at the event, the minister said she was appreciative of the fact that Google was one of the first companies to partner the government in training its people.

"Industry partners like Google play an important role in the growth of Singapore's digital ecosystem, as enablers for our industries and enterprises," said Mrs Teo, adding that Singapore will always focus on investing in its people, who are the country's most important resource.

The programme, which began in July last year, will also see the opening of a new track this year - Data Engineering with Machine Learning Fundamentals - on top of its two existing tracks on digital marketing and cloud technology.

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Mr King believes the new track will help to meet the rising demand for data analytics-trained labour, adding that he was "looking forward to making sure more Singaporeans can use technology to reach their potential".