Salford-based connectivity provider TalkTalk has started promoting six-month internships for more than 50 young people as part of the government’s Kickstart program.
The Kickstart program is operated by the Department of Labor and Pensions (DWP) and will run until the end of 2021. It provides funding to create new jobs for 16- to 24-year-olds with universal credit who are at risk of long-term risk -term unemployment, which was hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis.
Data from the Department of Labor and Pensions shows that in June 2020 in the Northwest, 83,000 people aged 16 to 24 were unemployed and receiving universal credit. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic between March 2020 and October 2020, there have also been 75% more people with universal credit in the northwest.
As one of the leading employers in the region, TalkTalk offers roles to at least 50 young people in all business areas. Initially, there will be positions in customer relations, communications, technology and administration that can be expanded to other departments later in the year.
TalkTalk started promoting the roles over the weekend and is now accepting applications. The positions are only available to young people who are currently receiving a universal loan.
Advertisements and further information can be found in local job centers and on the TalkTalk careers page: careers.talktalk.co.uk. Applicants are advised to seek advice from their work coach before applying.
TalkTalk will also select applicants with the help of The Prince’s Trust, a charity that supports young people on their journey through on-the-job education and training. Potential newcomers will take part in development boot camps before being referred to TalkTalk for an interview. In addition to making the interview process easier, the bootcamp also offers sessions and advice on employability, workplace skills, and training at Office 101.
All internships are paid for 25 hours a week during the six-month contract period using the Real Living Wage. TalkTalk will review the internships after the six-month contract has expired and possibly include the full-time positions in the Kickstart program.
Daniel Kasmir, Chief People Officer at TalkTalk, said: “We know that the North West has faced difficult times over the past year, with unemployment and job losses affecting many young people as a result of the pandemic.
“Thanks to the Kickstart program, we can provide much-needed opportunities for young people in our region to gain hands-on work experience, learn new and transferable skills, and edit their résumés so they can secure a fantastic job in the future, be it at us or elsewhere.
“Both TalkTalk and our Kickstart placements will benefit from this great program. We embrace fresh blood and new ideas – something that a technology company like ours cannot do without. “
Employment Minister Mims Davies MP said, “It is great to see TalkTalk support this government’s Kickstart program by hiring 50 young people to get into employment ladder roles across the region on social media this exciting industry.
“Our plan for jobs creates important new opportunities, improves job prospects and helps employers recruit in key growth sectors as we strive to build better and improve the country.”