Winona Reese Dalugdugan wins Most Enterprising Student at the 2025 Step Programme Finale

Local undergraduates showcased their summer placement projects at the Step Programme Finale on Friday 22 August at Woodbourne House, presenting to an audience of Politicians, Government officials, local businesses and fellow students.

Winona Reese Dalugdugan was awarded the ‘Most Enterprising Student’ for their project on Digital Track Analysis System at Isle of Man Railways. The Runner-Up Most Enterprising Student award went to Jerry Yao, who completed their project on Transport System Enhancements at Bus Vannin.

This year’s programme, sponsored by Utmost International Isle of Man, featured a diverse range of projects spanning AI and computer science, policy research, data analysis, marketing and more.

Reflecting on their experience, Winona Reese Dalugdugan, winner of Most Enterprising Student commented: ‘Winning this award is a real honour. The past eight weeks have been an incredible journey, and I’ve gained so much from working with Isle of Man Railways, specifically the Snaefell Mountain Railway in Laxey. My colleagues there have been really supportive, and it’s been a chance to grow both professionally and personally.

‘I’d absolutely encourage any students in their second or penultimate year at university to apply for the Step Programme. It’s a brilliant way to gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and make meaningful contributions to real-world projects.’  

The following students also received special recognition:

• Aalish Watts, at Port Erin Commissioners was awarded Best Report
• James Callow, at Utmost International was awarded Best Report runner up
• Joshua Okanlowan, at Utmost International was awarded Best Presentation
• Graihagh Kelsey, at Locate Isle of Man was awarded Best Presentation runner up
• Sarah Atcheson at Zedra, Oliver Hill at Utmost International and Charlie Callow-Moore at Isle of Man Post Office were awarded the Judges Commendations

Enterprise Minister, Tim Johnston MHK, who attended the Step Programme Final and presented the awards, commented: ’Congratulations to all the students who took part in this year’s Step Programme. The final event was a fantastic celebration of their achievements and a testament to the talent and ambition of young people in the Isle of Man.

‘Supporting young people to explore career opportunities across the Island is a key goal for the Department and initiatives like the Step Programme are vital in helping students gain valuable work experience and discover rewarding career paths closer to home.’

The Step Programme connects students with local businesses and organisations for eight-week summer placements. This year’s hosts included government departments, and private sector companies. Students were assessed on their final presentations, written reports, and feedback from their host organisation.

Judges this year were Maebh Worthing, Customer Assessment Manager at Utmost International Isle of Man and Phoebe Lunt, Head of Marketing, PR & Communications at the Department for Enterprise and Ruth Donnelly, Head of Corporate & Engagement Services at the Office of Clerk of Tynwald.

Keith Simpson, Head of Human Resources at Utmost International Isle of Man, sponsor for Step Programme 2025 commented: ‘We are pleased to sponsor the STEP Programme for 2025. Supporting this initiative reflects our deep commitment to nurturing emerging talent and contributing meaningfully to the development of future professionals.

‘Being involved in the STEP Programme not only allows us to engage with an inspiring group of students but also reinforces our dedication to fostering opportunities that empower the next generation. We look forward to supporting the event and playing an active role in its continued success now and in the future.’

Applications for the 2026 Step Programme have now opened, apply at dfe.im/step or email step@gov.im for more information. Prospective students interested in taking part must be in their second year of a three-year degree or in their second or third year of a four-year degree course to take part.

For more information on the Department’s STEP Programme, please visit dfe.im/step