The Department of Economic Development is encouraging Isle of Man-based organisations to take part in the 2014 STEP Programme.
STEP is a unique scheme that places Manx undergraduates within local organisations to work on specific projects for eight weeks during their summer holidays. A record number of 118 students have applied for projects and are available for a range of work placement opportunities this year.
The Department’s Political Member with responsibility for STEP Graham Cregeen MHK said:
‘The STEP Scheme plays an important part in helping deliver the Government’s Vision2020 strategy in that we are actively trying to align skills development with the requirements of local industry and the needs of our economy.
To date the scheme has proved to be very beneficial to local businesses as well as the undergraduates themselves. Therefore given the record number of student applications to participate this year, I would encourage Isle of Man employers from the private sector and third sector to support these talented local undergraduates to see whether a STEP project can be offered.’
The scheme supports undergraduates in meeting their career aspirations. Undergraduates are able to conduct research, analyse information, think objectively and report results clearly, as well as provide physical and practical solutions to business obstacles.
They can work with minimal supervision in undertaking a project and can add value for an organisation that exceeds the modest cost of their employment - £210 per week for 8 weeks - funded by participating organisations.
Employers benefit from the work of talented undergraduates, and in return, the undergraduate can gain work experience in an organisational environment on a project that would productively suit both respective parties.
Any local firm requiring information on STEP should contact: Ian Moncrief-Scott STEP Consultant by email at ims@manx.net or by telephone on +44 1624 664883 / + 44 7624 469261
Further details on STEP can be found here.
