Student applications open for 2019 Step Programme

The Department for Enterprise has opened student applications for its 2019 Step Programme. The Step Programme, sponsored by First Names Group, offers Manx undergraduates in their second or penultimate year the opportunity to complete an eight week project with local businesses, Government and third sector organisations in the Isle of Man.

Step matches organisations with undergraduates for paid skill-centric projects. The Programme is for full time degree students studying at a University or College in the UK or Isle of Man. The Programme provides invaluable experience to undergraduates seeking project-based placements on-Island, while helping local businesses improve and complete projects during the summer period.

Enrolment is simple and the benefits include a tax and NI free training allowance of £240 per week, workplace experience, personal development, a great enhancement to any CV, the chance to work on a genuine organisational project, and in some cases, the possibility of a permanent job offer post-graduation.

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:

‘In 20 years, the Programme has overseen 500 student placements across the Island. The Department hopes to build on this continued success and is calling on all local second or penultimate year students who are looking to obtain valuable workplace skills, to consider enrolling in the Programme.

‘Nurturing the Island’s home grown talent with Programmes such as this is hugely important for encouraging the local workforce of the future to develop their skillset. The support from Isle of Man based organisations has enabled these undergraduates to gain relevant and essential experience, preparing them for full time employment within the workplace on graduating. The Department would like to thank First Names Group for its continued support of the Step Programme.’

The 2018 Step Programme saw 35 students complete a range of projects including creative, manufacturing, marketing and quality assurance. The 2018 award for Most Enterprising Student went to Breesha Foxton who completed a research project for Onchan Commissioners to assess the safety and maintenance requirements of street lighting in the district. Breesha was consequently offered the opportunity of future work with Onchan District Commissioners.

To apply for the Step Programme visit https://www.iomdfenterprise.im/step

The closing date for applications is Friday 12^th April 2019.

For further information please contact a member of the Step administration team on stepscheme@gov.im or 01624 682383.