Department for Enterprise re-launches Step Programme for 2023

The Department for Enterprise is re-launching the Step Programme for 2023, inviting local organisations and undergraduates to apply to complete paid project-based placements over the summer.

The Step Programme forms part of the Department’s work to facilitate meaningful short term work experience opportunities for young professionals in a variety of industries across the Isle of Man. Before being paused in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Programme was responsible for facilitating 500 student placements across the Island since 2002.

Students in their second or penultimate year of higher education are invited to apply to complete projects with tangible outcomes for local organisations over the summer of 2023. The placements will run for eight weeks, followed by a presentation at the 2023 Step Final in September.

Previous project disciplines have ranged from policy and procedure reviews, website improvements, environmental audits, sector reviews and research. Applicants will be matched with a corresponding organisation and project based on their skills and interests.

For local organisations, the Programme offers significant benefits, aiming to bring talented individuals studying at UCM or off-Island universities, together with organisations that are seeking additional skilled resource.

Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:

‘The Island’s long term Economic Strategy highlighted an ambition to make the Island more attractive to an economically active and younger population, focused on delivering rewarding careers, reskilling/upskilling opportunities and enhanced earning potential.

‘The Department has decided to re-launch the Step Programme this year to provide the opportunity for students to engage with businesses and complete a meaningful project over the summer whilst we finalise the ongoing review of the Department’s enterprise support schemes.

‘Initiatives such as the Step Programme aim to support local students to pursue their career ambitions and further their skills, by establishing and promoting project placements to help them gain experience of the diverse range of career opportunities and specialisms across the Island.

‘Within the Department for Enterprise, through initiatives such as the annual Graduate Fair, we continue to work directly with businesses to actively promote the diversity of rewarding careers available across the Island’s economy for young, ambitious individuals entering the workforce.’

The Department for Enterprise has also opened expressions of interest for local organisations which would like to sponsor the 2023 Step Programme.

To find out more about the Step Programme, sponsorship opportunities and to apply as an organisation or student, please visit: https://www.iomdfenterprise.im/financial-support/funding-2/step-programme/