The 2015 STEP Final took place last week (28th August) with local undergraduates presenting their summer projects and winning awards for their work in local businesses.
Alfred Cannan MHK, the Department’s Member with responsibility for the STEP Programme, presented the awards and commented:
‘As my first year presenting the awards, I was very impressed with the high quality of the students’ projects. The STEP Programme allows the Island’s talented undergraduates to put their studies into practice in a real business situation. I would like to thank Standard Bank and the host companies who supported this event and all the students who made it such a success.’
The award for Most Enterprising Student went to Abi Swayne who completed a project on an electric shower concept design and development with DLP Limited.
Tim Baker, Senior Executive Director at DLP Limited, said:
‘We were delighted with Abi’s success. Having previously had two other STEP placements at DLP Limited we know how high the standard is, so it’s very pleasing for both Abi and the company.
‘Like our previous STEP students, Abi’s electric shower project has been extremely successful. She integrated fully into our Design Engineering team and worked collaboratively with them, adding a fresh dimension to our development process. We greatly value the STEP Programme, for both the contribution these high calibre students make and the experience they gain, helping both their academic studies and future job prospects.’
Winner of the award, Abi Swayne, said:
‘I was pleasantly surprised to receive the award of Most Enterprising STEP Student this year. The placement was a great opportunity for me, allowing me to work on a project that encompassed product design and engineering in an environment that was both exciting and challenging.
‘I’d like to thank everyone involved from the Department of Economic Development and the whole team at DLP Limited for the brilliant opportunity, and I'm sure other students will benefit from the Programme as much as I have.’
Second place for the Most Enterprising Student was awarded to Kira Longshaw who worked with the Isle of Man Constabulary on drug testing and identification facilities. The third place award went to Tom Bott who completed a quality assurance project with Isle of Man Meats.
The Best Presentation award was given to Rebecca Cooper for work on an interactive map of Douglas with the Douglas Development Partnership.
The judges also awarded a commendation to Rebecca Turner who worked with the Department of Health and Social Care on a local suicide review and Charlie Shimmins who completed a project to streamline Estates Shared Services at the Department of Infrastructure.
For more details on how to register as a host company or student for STEP 2016, please contact Sam Mylchreest on 01624 682383 or by email at sam.mylchreest@gov.im.
Further details about STEP can be found at https://www.gov.im/categories/working-in-the-isle-of-man/step-scheme/.
Photo - Most Enterprising Student Award winner Abi Swayne and Mr Alfred Cannan MHK.
