The Department of Economic Development (DED) is bringing local businesses and undergraduates together by encouraging Island firms to take part in the 2013 STEP Scheme, which is a unique scheme that places Manx undergraduates within local organisations to work on career-specific projects for eight weeks during their summer holidays.
The Department’s Political Member with responsibility for STEP is Laurence Skelly MHK. He said:
‘STEP is an important part of the Department’s commitment to support Government’s broader priority to help young people into employment. It offers undergraduates the opportunity to work on a ‘real-life’ project for local businesses in an increasingly competitive job market. Local businesses also benefit from the work of talented undergraduates on real-life issues giving the students excellent experience.
‘Locally-based firms of any size are encouraged to participate and will benefit from the rewards of working with these enthusiastic and bright young minds. We’re now welcoming enquiries for the summer 2013 intake.’
The Department of Economic Development has administered STEP on the Isle of Man for the last eleven years. During that time, more than two hundred projects have been completed.
The scheme also supports undergraduates in meeting their career aspirations. Undergraduates are able to conduct research, analyse information, think objectively and report results clearly, as well as provide physical and practical solutions to obstacles. They can work with minimal supervision to advance a project by delivering real tangible benefits and adding value that exceeds the modest cost of their employment - ?210 per-week - funded by participating organisations.
The Department is pleased to confirm that Celton Manx Ltd will be sponsoring the Island programme again this year and each placement will continue to be co-ordinated by local businessman, Ian Moncrief-Scott.
On behalf of STEP sponsors Celton Manx, Executive Director Bill Mummery said:
‘We’re delighted to continue our support of this excellent initiative. STEP is a scheme which delivers tangible and measurable benefits year-on-year and the experience these placements offer to Isle of Man undergraduates can be fundamental in shaping their future careers and long-term goals.
‘I’d encourage all local businesses and organisations to get involved with STEP – over the last few years our undergraduates have made a significant contribution to the delivery of ‘live’ projects during their placements, so it’s not just the undergraduates who reap the benefits.’
Projects can be submitted up till early June 2013 and any local firm requiring information on STEP should contact: Laura Quinn, Development Executive at the Department of Economic Development by telephone on 01624 682383 or by email at laura.quinn@gov.im.
