Google Helping to Launch Technological Education Program in UK

Google (News - Alert) is funding the extension of a program geared toward making sure graduate students in the U.K. are getting the technological training they need to succeed in this competitive new world. The Internet search giant is working with IPA and 35 other media agencies in order to get the education program just right.

The first official office space for this new endeavor is being launched in the heart of London later this spring. Google and its partners had worked on pilot programs last year and found them to be quite successful.

The two-year educational program starts on March 4 and comprises around 160 graduate students, selected by member agencies such as Aegis and Mediacom. Once inside the program, students are trained by people who work at Google and their partner agencies, in all things high tech.

The program, called Two Squared, is basically an interning program far more hands-on and diverse than any other internship in the world.

Instead of working for one company and fetching coffee, individuals are given a foundation of activities for future success in the tech industry.

Google UK managing director, Dan Cobley, said the program is all about giving these young professionals better technological training and skills, and a better chance at contributing to the companies for which they’ll eventually be employees.

“Whenever I speak to agencies, one of the biggest issues for them is always how difficult it is to recruit people with the necessary digital skills and experience – Squared was developed to address that,” Cobley added. “This isn’t about Google – it’s about digital. We have had companies like Twitter and Facebook (News - Alert) in to ensure graduates are given a fully rounded view of digital and how it will continue to develop.”