The 2014 STEP Scheme Final took place recently with a record number of undergraduate projects being presented.
 
STEP offers undergraduates the opportunity to complete specific projects in paid employment with local businesses, allowing them to put their studies into practice in a real business situation.
 
Administered by the Department of Economic Development and co-ordinated by local businessman Ian Moncrief-Scott, 2014 has seen the largest number of STEP student applications (126), with a record 41 projects completed.
 
Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Economic Development presented the awards and commented:
 
‘The STEP Scheme enables our talented local undergraduates to add value to a wide range of Isle of Man organisations. Once again the standard of presentations was very high and so I would like to congratulate all involved in making 2014 another successful year.’
 
The award for Most Enterprising Student went to Olivia Rawlinson who completed a Horse Tram project with Douglas Borough Council.
 
Daniel Looney, Head of ICT at Douglas Borough Council, said:
 
‘This is the third year that Douglas Borough Council has supported the STEP Scheme. 
 
‘This year Olivia has helped us with an important project on marketing initiatives for the Douglas Horse Tram service. The Council’s approach to the STEP programme is to very much let the students experience hands-on involvement and provide an opportunity to make a difference.
 
‘Our officers guide and mentor the students along the way and this year we couldn’t be happier with the end results.’
 
The Runner-Up award for the Most Enterprising Student went to Lauren Fletcher for her project on customer services in the taxi industry.
 
Lauren Fletcher said:
 
‘I’m really pleased to be placed as runner-up. I never expected it, as everyone worked very hard during their summer STEP Scheme placements and there were so many different and interesting projects.’
 
‘This STEP placement enabled me to put university and life skills into practice and given me confidence in my own ability for the future. I can better understand how business and marketing come together and the impact when this becomes ineffective. The placement has increased my employability skills and so I am confident that it will enhance my post-university employment prospects.’
 
The Best Presentation award was given to Andrew Corrin for the Douglas Cycle Scheme, on behalf of the Douglas Development Partnership and the runner-up Sean Matthews who worked with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture on the Kirk Michael Coastal Erosion project.
 
Further details about STEP can be found at http://www.step.org.uk/ or at their Twitter account @stepplacements.
 
For more details, or to register for STEP 2015, please contact Sam Mylchreest on 01624-682383 or by email at sam.birchall@gov.im.

Photo - Chris Pycroft, Douglas Development Partnership; Andrew Corrin, Winner of Best Presentation; Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Economic Development; Olivia Rawlinson, Winner of Most Enterprising Student; Daniel Looney, Douglas Borough Council.