Google funds teacher training initiative in Manchester

Google has announced that it will be training 1,000 Manchester primary school teachers in computer programming allowing students to become more tech-savvy from a young age.

In February, Google donated £120,000 to Code Club Pro - a non-profit providing training and resources aimed at teachers of the new computing curriculum.

The Manchester-wide initiative, which came into place after coding came into the National Cirriculum earlier this year, will benefit 67 schools, 1,000 teachers and 15,000 pupils.

The project, which is supported by Manchester Council, will also provide training to 60 computer science industry experts - volunteers who will be supported by Code Club Pro to train more teachers in the Greater Manchester.

Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell said: “This is fantastic news for Manchester’s young generation. Our city is at the forefront of the digital economy and this brilliant initiative will help equip our children with the skills they need to get jobs in this fast-growing sector. I’m really pleased that Google has chosen Manchester as their partner.”

Deputy council leader, Coun Sue Murphy, said: “Manchester was there at the dawn of the computer age and we’re determined to ensure that the children coming through our schools today are equipped with the vital skills they need to enable them to continue to be at the forefront of new technologies when they leave school and start work.

“This is a great opportunity that’s going to give them the chance they need - not just to get ahead of the game, but even, with the new skills they’ll learn, to start creating their own.”