Tradespeople in Airdrie and its surrounding areas are invited to learn how artificial intelligence could help them work smarter, reclaim their time and grow their businesses, as Google and Screwfix bring practical AI upskilling to stores across the country.
The collaboration will showcase how Airdrie and North Lanarkshire residents and firms can use the AI tools already in their pockets to give them more time to focus on the tasks that they find most rewarding.
At Screwfix Airdrie on Thursday, August 13, Google’s experts will share helpful AI hacks in the time it takes trades and customers to replenish their tools, from using AI to turn sketches into 3D renderings and handwritten notes into client proposals, at a pop-up event.
Construction is emerging as one of the UK’s leading sectors for AI adoption with 86 per cent of workers using the technology on the job.
Yet, a major guidance gap holds the industry back from unlocking its full potential.
While 71 per cent of construction professionals are eager to expand their AI skills, 54 per cent simply don’t know who to turn to for advice on using the technology in their day-to-day life.
As a result, only 16 per cent of this group are advanced users extracting significant value from the technology.
AI has the potential to increase the average UK SMB’s productivity by 20 per cent – the equivalent of completing an extra day’s worth of work each week – according to Google’s ‘AI Works’ report.
Max Britten, Screwfix MD of UK and Ireland, said: “At Screwfix, we know that time is money for our customers.
“While they’re busy getting the job done, admin and paperwork can quickly pile up.
“That’s why we’re partnering with Google to show how AI can be a practical addition to the toolbox, helping tradespeople save time, work more efficiently and focus on growing their businesses.”
Kate Alessi, MD and VP, Google UK and Ireland, added: “Every tradesperson knows the value of the right tool, and AI is fast becoming another one in their kit.
“Yet, only a small fraction of time-strapped trades are using the technology to unlock a vital productivity boost.
“That’s why we’re excited to partner with Screwfix to put practical AI skills right on the counter, and help more tradespeople use AI to work more effectively and drive their businesses.”
Beyond the stores, Screwfix Rewards customers will have the opportunity to sign up for Google’s AI Professional Certificate for free.
This self-paced course offers the two million members of Screwfix’s loyalty programme a chance to gain in-depth guidance on using AI to solve real business challenges, from research support to content creation.
The AI Professional Certificate comes with three months of access to Google AI Pro at no cost, equipping participants with premium, productivity-boosting tools as they learn how to use the technology to help them grow their businesses.
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