Mayor of Salford praises Toasted Productions for ‘Kickstart’ success

Mayor of Salford Paul Dennett visited Toasted Productions, in MediaCity to celebrate their ongoing commitment to provide paid training and work opportunities as part of the DWP’s Kickstart scheme.

Despite restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Toasted Productions was in the fortunate position to be able to continue providing paid work placements throughout 2021 for 21 trainees. They worked in collaboration with skilled professionals on live media productions, shoots, TV studio installations and organisational tasks.

Councillor John Walsh, an executive support member for training and learning, Councillor Jim Cammell, lead member for Children’s and Young People’s services; Councillor Philip Cusack, Executive Support Member for Skills, Work & Business, and Skills & Commissioning Manager at Salford City Council Emma Nolan were in attendance.

Skills and Work Commissioning Manager, David Timperley also attended to meet the trainees. David helps to allocate Kickstart positions to young people in Salford who are eligible to be a part of the scheme. They must be aged 16 – 24 and be claiming Universal Credit.

Jumaanah Alexander, one of the Toasted’s current Kickstart employees, says of her experience working at Toasted: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to play a part in this industry. I’ve gained insight and experience that I wouldn’t ordinarily have had access to.”

Elliot Black another Kickstart employee, says: “I’m excited to start a career in an industry that I didn’t necessarily have prior experience in”.

Daniel Goodchild also says: “it’s been a great opportunity to develop my skills”.

Visiting the newly decorated offices at Host, the Mayor and councillors were introduced to the Dig Media Archive; a vast collection of culturally significant video material curated by prolific filmmaker and social documenter, Jack Henry Moore.

Thanks to National Lottery funding, the archive has been rescued and preserved after its very existence hung in the balance after the death of its curator in 2015. Kickstart employees have been instrumental in the organisation and restoration of the archive including the installation of new protective measures and the implementation of internationally recognised archive standards.

The Mayor was introduced to a current technical project Toasted is working on in conjunction with HOST tenant, Unity which will celebrate the rich legacy of Salford’s most iconic music legends and locations.

Simon Marsland, Director of Toasted Productions was presented with a certificate to acknowledge the company’s support for the Salford City Mayor’s employment standards initiative.

Speaking after meeting with the Mayor; Simon remarked: “It’s really important to keep developing practical ways to boost Salford’s skills pool together”.