The Highlands and Islands final of the Shell Technology Enterprise Programme (STEP) 2003 was hosted by Careers Scotland at the Marriott Hotel, Inverness today (Tuesday 9 September).

This year's winner, from a crop of projects located throughout the Highlands and Islands, was Stephen Hoban, a second year UHI Millennium Institute student from Inverness, who completed a website design project and provided logistical management support for Inverness flower wholesaler Zwetsloot.  He was awarded a commemorative trophy and will go on to represent the Highlands and Islands at the Scottish STEP final, to be held at Edinburgh's Corn Exchange on 8 October.

Twelve undergraduate students were placed with companies throughout the Highlands and Islands in this year's inaugural STEP programme. Each had eight weeks to plan, develop and implement a programme which would be of benefit to the host company.

The completed projects were assessed by judges Mike Devlin, head of the School of Business, Inverness College, and Anne Ross, senior development manager, Highlands and Islands Enterprise. They ranged from marketing and website design to environmental research, a feasibility study for a proposed wind farm on Orkney, conference organisation and electronic development and design.

Catriona Eagle, director, Careers Scotland, Highlands and Islands, presented the awards.

"As this is the first year that STEP has been available throughout the Highlands and Islands, we were delighted by the strength of the projects which were completed by the students," said Catriona.  "The judges' decision was very difficult and I can only praise the worthy winner.

"This programme is of great benefit both to the students and the participating companies. I would encourage more companies to take part, and I heartily compliment everyone involved."

Created in 1986, STEP exists to bring together small to medium sized enterprises (SME's) which have a particular need for skilled help, with undergraduate students possessing suitable skills. Host companies may receive funding support towards the student's training allowance of £170 per week.

STEP is sponsored throughout Britain by Shell UK and the Department of Trade and Industry and is supported in Scotland by the Scottish Executive and the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network.