The Department of Economic Development has announced the winners and finalists of the 2012 STEP Scheme, sponsored by Celton Manx Limited. The final took place at the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education Nunnery Campus, Douglas, and the prizes were presented by Department Members Alex Downie OBE MLC and Geoff Corkish MBE MHK.
Co-ordinated by local businessman, Ian Moncrief-Scott, this year has seen the largest single group of STEP students and organisation projects to date with 32 placements secured.
The winner of the ‘Most Enterprising Student’ award went to Kevin Burridge, who designed a rice steamer for Strix. The runner up in this category was Joanne Durber, who worked with Quinn Legal on a website design.
The ‘Best Presentation’ was by Kate Holland, who has been working with Ramsey Cottage Hospital on their website. The runner up in this category was Tom Bateson, whose placement was with the Department of Health Training Services Division.
Matthew Cooper was commended by the judges for his research project with the Communications Commission and Callum Taggart was also commended for his health and safety project with Swagelok.
Minister for Economic Development, John Shimmin MHK opened proceedings with a short speech commenting:
'2012 has seen our most successful year since the former Department of Trade and Industry first started to support the STEP scheme in 1999. Thirty-two high quality project entries were submitted by local businesses so we can greatly appreciate the achievement of such positive results by the students. Due to their dedication, the programme continues to grow from strength to strength.'
'I would also like to thank all the organisations and students who have participated and I look forward to more students and companies taking part in the STEP scheme in future.'
STEP Co-ordinator, Ian Moncrief Scott said:
'Helen Cowley and Maree Bashforth, both very experienced judges, have asked me to stress just how difficult it was this year to select the award winners due to some exceptional students and the challenges of projects involved.'
'Each year has seen a steady rise in the calibre of students taking part in the programme and, in particular, I have noticed increasingly high standards of reports and presentations. I would also like add my thanks to the host organisations for their valuable support and commitment to STEP.'
Nick Gibbs, of STEP host organisation Strix, said:
'We were once again pleased to support the STEP scheme this year. Kevin Burridge, the student allocated to work with us, completed a project to investigate the use of our recently developed steamer technology in to the rice steaming market, which is a new market for us. We are grateful for Kevin’s efforts and plan to continue his work with further taste testing by staff in our Asian offices, where the product might eventually be launched.'
