THE winners of the Step programme were announced at the International Business School at The Nunnery, Douglas, yesterday (Friday).

The Step programme provides undergraduate students from the Isle of Man with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience during the summer period.

Students are matched with vacant eight to 12 week placements at a local business with salary, experiencing work similar to that of their degree course.

This training experience helps students excel in a competitive job market, bettering their chance of attaining a successful career after they graduate.

The finalists in the programme each gave a presentation at the International Business School yesterday.

Clare Christian MLC, an official guest at the event, described the programme as "extremely beneficial" as it provides an opportunity for young people to experience a real work situation and carry out a project for the business they are working for.

The winners were announced by Step co-ordinator Ian Moncrief-Scott and the prizes were presented by Mrs Christian.

The winners were:

Best presentation: Chris Hewson (Sterna Aviation)

Best presentation runner up: Tim Barrow (Colas)

Most enterprising student: Graeme Osborn (Swagelok)

Most enterprising student runner up: Harry Wint (Shoprite)

Special commendation: Jonathon Knowles (RLC Ronaldsway)