Step Programme

The undergraduates

Every year, the Department for Enterprise recruits the Island's brightest and most enterprising undergraduates and matches them with the specific needs of Island based organisations to undertake a skill-centric project to improve the business. This is an invaluable and exciting opportunity open to all second or penultimate year undergraduates that could make a real difference to your future career prospects. The Step Programme is sponsored by IQ EQ (Isle of Man) Limited.

Taking part in the programme offers you many benefits including;

The chance to apply the theory you have learnt on your degree course with the chance to learn new workplace skills
The programme is an excellent addition to your CV as it is widely recognised that undergraduates who are participate in the programme are more likely to obtain work once they graduate
£256 per week for 8 weeks with up to 4 days leave entitlement

The host organisations

If you would like your organisation to benefit from a Step undergraduate summer project and you can take an issue facing your organisation and turn it into a definable and structured project, then we would like to hear from you.

From all the Manx undergraduates who have registered, Step will select the most suitable candidate with the profile you need to undertake the project, which you have identified. Projects take place over eight weeks in the summer (from 29 June 2020 – 21 August 2020).

Host applications for the 2020 programme are now open.

What projects can be undertaken?

There are virtually no restrictions on the type of project an organisation can choose, but examples include:

Manufacturing concept, design and development
Setting up IT and/or accountancy systems
Design and implementation of websites
Marketing plans
Setting up of systems e.g. ISO 9000, ISO 14001, IIP, H&S etc.
Design of company literature
Analysis of production methods
Environmental audits and follow-up work
Design of new product concepts

...and more.

Which organisations can take part?

All organisations can experience the benefits of a Step undergraduate.

In order for a Step project to be successful it is also necessary to have:

a set project for an undergraduate to undertake;
a suitable place for the undergraduate to work;
appropriate supervisory and management arrangements.

Access to knowledge

Step is designed to help any organisation to develop by kick-starting and managing a project that can be achieved within a realistic timescale and at an affordable price.

Individual interviews are arranged to help you to select the undergraduate you want to undertake your project.
Contracts, which include Health and Safety issues, are then issued for acceptance by both the organisation and the undergraduate.
Immediately before starting, or at the start of the project, your Step undergraduate will attend a pre-project induction day provided by Step and the Department to prepare them for his/her project.
The Department will pay for your undergraduate weekly and upon completion of the programme invoice you for the training allowance.
A review session provided by Step and the Department is carried out midway through the project when all the participating undergraduates are provided with any additional support needed to complete their project.
At the end of the project, undergraduates produce reports of their work and present their achievements to a panel of judges at a Final Presentation Competition. The winner of the local competition and the host organisation will be invited to attend the high profile Regional and, possibly, National Step finals.

How much will it cost?

Undergraduates receive a weekly training allowance of £256 per week, which is free of National Insurance and Income Tax contributions. Therefore, the cost to your organisation for an undergraduate working full-time on an eight-week project will be £2,048.

What happens next?

Once you have applied:

You will be contacted by the Step Consultant and the Department to discuss your business needs in more detail before agreeing on a feasible project to be undertaken by a Step undergraduate.
Step will then match your requirements and the range of skills and expertise available within the database of registered undergraduates.

How to Apply

The Department for Enterprise is now seeking local organisations and undergraduates to take part in the 2020 Step Programme. If you are interested in applying, please complete the relevant application form in the Downloadable Documents section (top right).