PLEASE NOTE. The Department for Enterprise has announced that the STEP 2020 Programme has been cancelled, while the Department re-focuses resources on providing direct support to protect businesses, workers and the Island’s economy during the coronavirus pandemic. For further information, please click here. 

The Step Programme, sponsored by IQ-EQ (Isle of Man) Limited, matches local organisations with undergraduates in their second or penultimate year of university for project-based placements during the summer holidays.

Undergraduate benefits

• A tax and NI free allowance of £256 per week, over an 8 week period, with 4 days leave
• Great addition to the CV
• Personal development
• Possibility of a permanent job offer post-graduation 

Host organisation benefits 

• Enthusiastic undergraduate to support business
• Excellent value for money (£256 a week)
• Improved business performance
• Additional resource to complete a project which may not have otherwise been addressed
• No employment contracts or payroll changes (The Department pays the student weekly and invoices the organisation at the end of the programme)
• Potential cost savings and additional revenue generation
• Potential future employees

Past projects have included: 

• Manufacturing concept, design and development
• Setting up IT and/or accountancy systems
• Design and implementation of websites
• Marketing plans
• Research, strategy and policy
• Setting up of systems e.g. ISO 9000, ISO 14001, IIP, H&S etc.
• Design of company literature
• Analysis of production methods
• Environmental audits and follow-up work
• Design of new product concept
• Plus many more

Taking Part 

All organisations can experience the benefits of a Step project, but in order for it to be successful it is necessary to have:

• a set project for an undergraduate to undertake;
• a suitable place for the student to work;
• appropriate supervisory and management arrangements.

Hear Step Programme Coordinator, Kirsty Jamieson, discuss the Step Programme in the video below:

CASE STUDIES

• 

  "The STEP Programme provides great benefits for both parties, the student gains useful experience in a working environment and the employer has valuable work performed on a project of their choosing with defined deliverables. Last year we hosted undergraduate Robert Leece and Robert’s work for us was fantastic. Robert’s project involved auditing our Manx Language resources and developing a database and User Handbook which is now in use across the Manx Language Network “Jeebin”

  Chrissy Callaghan, Department of Education, Sport and Culture

• 

  "I think that STEP Internships are very beneficial for a student’s future career. My experience has highlighted my strength in content writing and confirmed which areas I wish to pursue further. This opportunity has also emphasised the benefits of my degree and how it can be applied to a workplace. This was my first professional role during university, so it was great to gain industry experience and prepare for my future career after graduation."

  Tia Welsh, STEP Student 2018