Telecoms giant TalkTalk has announced the creation of almost 180 new jobs - after celebrating the "first wave" of young people completing their six-month Kickstart placements.
The Salford-based firm announced on Thursday it has 123 vacancies across the business, as well as an additional 56 new Kickstart roles.
It comes after the connectivity provider on Thursday hosted a graduation event for its first wave of Kickstart placements at its Soapworks HQ.
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Almost 50 young people have been welcomed into the business on Kickstart placements - the Government scheme created last year aiming to deliver opportunities for young people. 30 of those Kickstarters have found permanent roles as a result of their placement.
Daniel Kasmir, chief people and procurement officer at TalkTalk, said: “The last 18 months have been hard on us all, especially young people, and the Kickstart Scheme has enabled us to deliver opportunities that can really change lives.
"We’ve been able to welcome local, young talent into the business to gain valuable industry experience. And we’re delighted that, already, 23 of those on placements have secured a permanent, full-time job with us – and seven at other companies.”
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The Kickstart placements are in addition to 123 live roles across the business – many of which are at the company’s Salford HQ. Those are across marketing, tech, product, commercial, customer service and many other functions.
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Salford City mayor, Paul Dennett, said: “TalkTalk is working with a whole range of different partners – Salford Council, job centres and others – and are actively engaging with the Kickstart Scheme to deliver opportunities for local, young people.
"These young people are the future of Salford and Greater Manchester. Today is a celebration of them and it’s amazing to hear about what they’ve learned through this scheme and at TalkTalk.”