This year’s STEP Programme – which offers undergraduates a paid summer project placement in a business, government department or the third sector – is the biggest in its 19-year history in the Island.

Over 45 students have recently started, or are about to start, a usually eight-week project set by their host employer. The Programme, which is run by the Department of Economic Development and sponsored by Standard Bank, places undergraduates in work-based projects over their summer holiday. Students apply to the programme and their skills and interests are matched to individual projects, which are set by organisations. They are interviewed by their prospective host before beginning their placement.

At the end of the project, students present an account of their experience and an overview of their project to a panel of judges. Various prizes are awarded including Most Enterprising Student and Best Presentation.

Ian Moncrief-Scott, co-ordinator of the STEP Programme on the Isle of Man, said:

‘This is the largest and broadest STEP Programme here ever and I would like to thank all of the organisations for not only joining the Programme but also for identifying interesting and worthwhile projects for the students. This year we have a record number of matched projects, including planning an aircraft maintenance schedule, introducing online gaming software, updating the Island’s Tree Register and working in the pharmaceutical and engineering industries. There really is something for everyone.

‘We also have an exceptionally high calibre and varied mix of students this year, which became clear when we were assigning them to projects. STEP has been running for a long time on the Island but it continues to strengthen with every year.’

Chris Till, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Bank Isle of Man, commented:

‘Standard Bank is proud to sponsor the STEP Programme, as well as offer our own projects to students, and it is heartening to see that this year is the biggest yet. It is imperative that the Island attracts its brightest and best back to the Island and STEP is a great way to highlight the many opportunities that our economy offers, from international banking and IT to engineering and the public sector.’

For further enquiries regarding the Programme, host organisation and student applications for the 2018 STEP Programme, please contact Ian Moncrief-Scott on 664883 or email ims@manx.net.