TalkTalk is offering six-month work placements for young people in the north west on Universal Credit.
Run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the Kickstart Scheme will last until the end of 2021.
The government-backed project will provide funding to create new job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment because of the pandemic.
The Salford-based company will offer roles to at least 50 young people across all areas of the business.
Jobs in customer relations, communications, technology and administration will be available. Candidates will have the option to work in other departments later in the year.
Department for Work and Pensions data shows there were 83,000 people aged 16 to 24 who were unemployed and on Universal Credit in the north west as of June 2020.
Since the Covid19 pandemic hit, between March 2020 and October 2020, there was also a 75 per cent increase in people on Universal Credit in the north west.
TalkTalk will also be selecting applicants with the help of The Prince’s Trust - a charity which supports young people on their journey through education and workplace training.
Potential new starters will take part in development bootcamps before being directed to TalkTalk for an interview.
The bootcamp will also offers sessions and advice on employability, workplace skills and office 101 training.
All placements will be paid Real Living Wage for 25 hours a week over the six-month contract period. TalkTalk will review the placements once the six-month contract ends, with the potential to place those on the Kickstart Scheme into full-time positions.
Daniel Kasmir, chief people officer at TalkTalk, said: “We know that the North West has faced some difficult times over the last year, with many young people experiencing unemployment and job losses as a result of the pandemic.
“Thanks to the Kickstart Scheme, we’re able to provide some much-needed opportunities for young people in our area to gain real-life work experience, learn new and transferable skills, and workshop their CVs so they can secure a fantastic job in the future, be it with us, or elsewhere.
“Both TalkTalk and our Kickstart placements will benefit from this great scheme. We welcome fresh blood and new ideas – something a tech company like ours cannot do without.”
Minister for employment, Mims Davies MP, said:“It’s great to see TalkTalk backing this Government’s Kickstart Scheme with recruitment for 50 young people to get on the employment ladder in roles across the region – giving local talent crucial work experience in areas from finance to social media in this exciting industry.
“Our Plan for Jobs is creating vital fresh opportunities, boosting job prospects and supporting employers to recruit in key growth sectors, as we push to build back better and level up the country.”
TalkTalk is now accepting applications. The jobs are only available to young people currently receiving Universal Credit.
Advertisements and more information can be found in local job centres and on the TalkTalk careers page.
Applicants are advised to seek advice from their work coach before applying.
