The Department of Economic Development has started the recruitment process for 2013’s group of STEP scheme students.  STEP is a unique programme which places undergraduates with local companies to work on specific projects for eight weeks during their summer break.  Local company Celton Manx Ltd are the sponsors of the scheme this year.
 
Students will receive a tax and National Insurance free training allowance of ?210 per week and the opportunity to work on a genuine business project.  At the end of the eight weeks the students present their projects where they compete for the prestigious title of ‘Most Enterprising Student’.
 
The Department hopes to build on the success of this year’s STEP Scheme and is calling on locally-based second year and penultimate year undergraduates.  It is ideally suited to those who are keen to gain workplace skills that can give them an edge on their peers in the employment market.  
 
The 2012 STEP scheme saw 32 students complete a range of projects from website design to a retail packaging study.  The award for the most enterprising student went to Kevin Burridge who won a prize of ?300 in vouchers for his innovative design of a rice steamer for Strix.
 
Laurence Skelly MHK, Political Member for the Department of Economic Development with responsibility for STEP said: 
 
‘The Department of Economic Development is committed to helping young people reach their potential and find meaningful employment.   I would encourage students to apply for this worthwhile scheme which will give them the opportunity of working alongside experienced professionals on live and interesting projects. It is a great way for undergraduates to enhance their CVs and future job applications and companies will gain fresh ideas and new skills that can have a positive impact on their business.’
 
Ian Moncrief-Scott, STEP Co-ordinator, said:
 
‘Each year has seen a marked increase in the calibre of students wishing to participate in STEP.  It is also welcoming to note the value that students now attach to broadening their experience outside areas of current study and their desire to develop new skills to increase their appeal to future prospective employers, especially in the increasingly challenging graduate employment market.’
 
Further information on the scheme is available on 01624 682383 or email stepscheme.ded@gov.im.  Application forms are available through the Department’s website www.gov.im/ded/employment/stepscheme.xml and must be submitted by 15th March 2013. 
 
Photo - Alex Downie OBE MLC pictured with Kevin Burridge, winner of the 2012 award for most enterprising student.