Step projects showcased at Programme Final

The quality of this year’s 2018 STEP student projects was recently recognised at the STEP Programme Final, with 33 undergraduate students completing projects covering a variety of industries and specialisms within the public, private, and third sector.

The STEP Programme enables students to undertake work-based project placements across the summer holidays, assisting local organisations with a relevant project.

Lawrie Hooper MHK, Member with responsibility for Enterprise Support at the Department for Enterprise, commented:

‘The STEP Programme provides invaluable experience to undergraduates seeking work-based project experience. This scheme enables students to see first-hand the opportunities that there are in the Isle of Man, highlighting the Island as an ideal place for the students to return and begin their careers upon graduating. 

‘The quality and hard work of the student projects is clear to see and I’m delighted that host organisations are continuing to support and see the value of taking on these students throughout the summer, displaying the strong partnership between the public and private sectors. I’d like to thank both the host organisations and students involved in this year’s STEP Programme and wish the students the best of luck with the rest of their undergraduate studies.’ 

This year’s award winners were:

• Most Enterprising Student (Main prize): Breesha Foxton – Onchan street lighting review
• Most Enterprising Student Runner Up: Tia Welsh – Visit Isle of Man web content review / update
• Best Presentation: Robert Leece – Auditing Manx Language resources and reviewing strategy
• Best Presentation Runner Up: Sebastian Swithinbank - Assessment of Agricultural Holdings & residences
• 2nd Judges Commendation: Abigail Cooper – Home Energy App aimed at young adults
• Judges’ Commendation: Georgia Seaward -  Review of “Capability Process Policy”

Tim Craig, STEP host for Breesha Foxton at Onchan Commissioners, who won this year’s award for Most Enterprising Student, added: 

‘Breesha’s work for us this summer has been fantastic. Breesha’s project involved reviewing and assessing the street lighting in Onchan. The project will play a key part in the infrastructure  plans for Onchan Commissioners going forward and I’d like to thank Breesha for her hard work and determination throughout her placement with us.’

For more information on the STEP Programme, or to register your interest in becoming a host organisation for the 2019 Programme, visit: www.iomdfenterprise.im/step