The Government, through the DTI, has now launched this years Shell Technology Enterprise Programme (STEP).

It's a government-backed scheme that, in partnership with Shell, supports small businesses by placing a suitable undergraduate in businesses or organisations to assist in kick-starting a project by providing expertise and enthusiasm for a few weeks during the summer vacation.

The DTI has administered Shell STEP on the Isle of Man for the last nine years during which time more than a hundred businesses have benefited from the work of talented undergraduates who have been able to focus in and concentrate on delivering a specific project within a maximum eight week period. In return the undergraduate benefits from working in a business environment on a project that can make a real difference to the business concerned. The Isle of Man as a whole benefits because the undergraduates become aware of the wealth of opportunity available to them in the local economy and can put them at an advantage in the job market when they graduate.
History has shown that a large majority of employers felt their project would have a positive impact on their business's future performance and that the benefits were equal to or exceeded the costs of taking part. Participating students, in the past, have commented that their employability had improved as a result of participating in Shell Step.


The DTI Minister David Cretney ( pictured) says there is already a lot of interest from local businesses who are keen to participate in the scheme.
"If there are any other local businesses with projects in mind, this is a real opportunity to make change happen and I would encourage them to apply to the Programme. If any students feel they could offer their skills and want workplace experience, they should consider registering now for this year’s programme.”
Each student receives ?200 per week under the programme and participating organizations sponsor the programme by the same amount.