STUDENTS and organisations in the Island have been invited to take part in the 2011 Step Scheme.

The scheme places undergraduate students in organisations to work on specific projects for eight weeks during the summer holiday period.

Students act as an extra pair of hands to help conduct research, analyse information and report results as well as provide physical and practical solutions to problems.

The Department of Economic Development has administered the scheme in the Island for the last nine years during which time more than 150 organisations have benefited from the work of undergraduates.

Clare Christian MLC, the department member with responsibility for the scheme, said: "The Step Scheme provides local organisations the opportunity to secure the commercial benefit of an enthusiastic undergraduate to deliver a project during the summer.

"The department has received excellent feedback from 2010 participants with undergraduates delivering valuable contributions to organisational change leading to genuine cost savings and productivity improvements. I am confident that this year will also be successful."

Students receive £210 per week, which is funded by the participating organisations, weekly tax and National Insurance training allowance and in some cases the possibility of a permanent job offer once they graduate. 

The scheme culminates with a local competition where undergraduates present the project they have been working on to a panel of judges to compete for the prestigious title of "Most Enterprising Student".

The Step Scheme is open to students in their second or penultimate year of undergraduate study. Anyone who would like further information can click here for an application form. Applications must be submitted by March 18.

Organisations who are interested in taking part should contact the Department of Economic Development on 01624 682383 or e-mail stepscheme@gov.im.