The Department of Economic Development is encouraging Isle of Man organisations to support the 2015 STEP Programme which provides work-based projects for local undergraduates. This year STEP is being sponsored for the first time by Standard Bank.
Projects previously undertaken have included a public relations project for PokerStars, collection of launch vehicle data for SES Satellite Leasing Limited and market research relating to the Horse Trams for Douglas Borough Council.
This year’s STEP programme was launched with a networking event hosted by Standard Bank which was attended by a number of previous and potential project sponsors. At this, a number of new projects have already been committed to.
Graham Cregeen MHK, the Department’s Political Member with responsibility for STEP commented:
‘The Department is committed to helping young people find employment and STEP is an excellent programme that is beneficial for our local undergraduates.
‘Hundreds of organisations have benefited from projects completed by STEP students over the past 13 years so I am encouraging Isle of Man organisations to get behind the programme by seeing whether they have a potentially suitable project that could be undertaken.
‘STEP offers a range of tangible benefits for local organisations and represents excellent value for money. The undergraduates are enthusiastic and willing to learn and they can be an additional resource to help complete a project which may not have otherwise been addressed.’
Chris Till, Chief Executive Officer designate, Standard Bank, said:
‘Supporting the STEP scheme was a natural choice. Investing in your existing staff is essential for any business because they’re the core of your company, but we should also all be looking ahead and investing in the young people in our Island who are our future.
‘It’s a win-win situation for businesses, we will be showing undergraduates the opportunities there are at home to encourage them to return whilst also giving them valuable work experience, and at the same time we’ll benefit from their enthusiasm and energy.’
Each placement is co-ordinated by local businessman, Ian Moncrief-Scott, who has been involved with the Programme for a number of years.
The closing date for host business applications is 29th May and any local organisation requiring more information should contact either Sam Mylchreest, Development Executive, on 682383 or by email at sam.mylchreest@gov.im or Ian Moncrief-Scott on 664883 or by email at ims@manx.net
More information regarding the scheme is available at https://www.gov.im/categories/working-in-the-isle-of-man/step-scheme/
Photo - Chris Till, Chief Executive Officer designate at Standard Bank – sponsor of the 2015 STEP programme.
