The Department of Economic Development is inviting expressions of interest from local organisations to sponsor the Step Scheme. Step is a scheme backed by the Isle of Man Government and UK Government. It supports small businesses by recruiting enterprising and enthusiastic undergraduates and matches them with small businesses to undertake a specific eight week long project which intends to help improve the business. Placements take place during the summer holiday period and provide the students with valuable work-based experience, which can help their future career prospects. The selected sponsor will be named in all local Step marketing literature and promotions. In return, the sponsor is required to supply operational and monetary support along with recruiting an undergraduate themselves. Minister for Economic Development, Allan Bell MHK, commented: “The Step Scheme has proved very popular in recent years and I hope that local organisations will be encouraged to find out more about sponsoring it and also recognise the benefits of being associated as a supporter of Isle of Man undergraduates.” Mrs Clare Christian, Department Member with responsibility for the Step Scheme said: “The Department, and former Department for Trade and Industry, have administered the Step scheme on the Isle of Man for the last nine years, during which time more than a hundred and fifty organisations have benefited from the work of talented local undergraduates. It also provides an excellent foundation for undergraduates to experience the world of work.” Local organisations interested in becoming the sponsor of the Step Scheme are asked to contact the Development Executive on 682383 or stepscheme@gov.im by the 31 January 2011. ENDS