The Department for Enterprise is seeking host organisations to take part in the 2020 Step Programme, which matches Manx undergraduates with local private, public and third sector organisations to complete paid project-based placements. The 2020 programme will begin on 29 June 2020 and run for a fixed, eight-week period, with the final event to be held on 21 August 2020.
This year 21 organisations and 37 students took part in the programme, sponsored by IQ-EQ Isle of Man Ltd. Students completed an array of projects ranging from policy and procedure reviews and website improvements to environmental audits, sector reviews and research, before presenting their work at the 2019 Step Final.
The programme offers significant benefits to organisations as it aims to bring talented individuals studying at UCM or off-Island universities, together with organisations that are seeking additional skilled resource. Whilst the programme offers support for short-term projects, it can also be seen as a valuable method of graduate or part-time recruitment or the chance to trial the viability of a new position.
Political Member for Enterprise Support, Lawrie Hooper MHK, commented:
‘The Step Programme has been running successfully in the Isle of Man for a number of years. It offers tremendous benefit to students, encouraging them to gain valuable experience in industry, and to organisations by offering tangible benefits through completion of projects.
‘The programme runs on the ethos of connecting students and businesses together, creating opportunities for both in the Isle of Man. In the past, the calibre of student work has been remarkable, resulting in organisations offering full time roles to students. All Manx organisations are welcome and encouraged to apply for the 2020 Step Programme.’
The Department’s Enterprise Support Team administers the programme which simplifies the recruitment process for the organisation. Students are paid £256 a week by the organisation. To streamline the process, the Department pays students weekly and organisations are invoiced for the total cost at the end of the programme.
Organisations that would like to take part must complete an application form. A set project, a suitable place of work, and appropriate supervisory and management arrangements must be put in place by the organisation and detailed in the application form.
For more information, visit www.dfe.im/step or contact the Enterprise Support team by email enterprisesupport@gov.im or telephone +44 1624 687333.
