LOCAL companies have been invited by government to get involved in the 2010 S.T.E.P. programme for undergraduates.
The Department of Economic Development (DED) is promoting S.T.E.P., a UK and Isle of Man government-backed scheme which supports small businesses by putting an undergraduate in place to complete a specific project by providing expertise and enthusiasm for eight weeks during the summer.
The programme is open to organisations of any size and nature on the Isle of Man. In the past, projects have ranged from sophisticated ‘financial modelling and prototype production’ to stock reduction and new literature design.
Undergraduates are able to conduct research, analyse information, think objectively and report results clearly, as well as provide physical and practical solutions. Overall, they are able to work with minimal supervision to act as an extra pair of hands or bring forward a project, which has been placed on the back burner due to time constraints.
Importantly, they are able to deliver real tangible benefits and added value to the organisation, far beyond their modest cost.
Under the programme, students receive ?210 per week which is funded by the participating organisations. Previous S.T.E.P. placements show that host organisations have enjoyed operational improvements substantially greater than the modest sponsorship amount involved.
The Department has administered S.T.E.P. on the Isle of Man for the last nine years during which time more than 150 organisations have benefited from the work of talented undergraduates. In return, the undergraduate gains work experience in an organisational environment on a project that can make a real difference.
The Isle of Man benefits because undergraduates become aware of the wealth of opportunity available to them in the local economy which can put them at an advantage in the job market when they graduate.
Member for the Department, Mrs Clare Christian MLC said, “At a time of unique economic challenge, I would encourage local organisations to secure the commercial benefit of an enthusiastic and objective undergraduate to deliver a project during this summer.
“The Department has already received a lot of good feedback from local businesses who are keen to participate in this year’s scheme. In previous programmes undergraduates have delivered valuable contributions to organisational change, produced genuine cost savings and initiated productivity improvements that made real impact to the bottom line. Based on our success in previous years, I am confident that this year will also be successful.”
The projects will culminate in a local competition where undergraduates present their project to a panel of judges. The two best overall undergraduates are selected for entry into a UK regional S.T.E.P. competition where they compete for the prestigious title of Most Enterprising Student and, if successful there go on to the national competition. Only undergraduates in organisations with fewer than 250 employees can participate in the regional and national finals.
Local organisations wishing to take part in this year’s programme should contact the Programme Support Officer at the DED for an application form on 682396 or at philip.corlett2@gov.im.
