An Island manufacturing firm has offered high level business challenges to two Manx undergraduates this summer.

DLP Ltd based at Snugborough in Union Mills and produce disability living equipment to the UK and overseas markets, needed some fresh thinking on two current projects.

Those projects have been entrusted to 21-year olds Sabrina Ruston and David Walsh, both enrolled in the Department of Economic Development's 2012 STEP scheme.

It matches undergraduates with firms seeking help with specific projects over the summer holiday period.

Colby-based David, who's studying Advertising and Brand Management at Manchester Metropolitan University, has been tasked to introduce retail packaging for a DLP product range targeted at outlets in France and Germany.

He will work alongside engineering colleagues to a brief from the company's marketing team.

Sabrina educated at Ramsey Grammar School and now reading International Relations at the University of Birmingham, has been assigned a project to implement a new IT system and will help in the final stages of testing and training.

DLP Group Finance Director Tim Baker said the company scoped the projects and approached the DED after establishing they met the objectives of the undergraduate STEP scheme.

Mr Baker added it was an opportunity for DLP to access fresh ideas and new skills while giving Sabrina and David an edge when they apply for jobs after finishing university.


Tim Baker, Group Operations Director Bruce Lockton, Sabrina Ruston and David Walsh.