Undergraduates from Inverness, East Highland and Moray are being offered the chance to work with a variety of local businesses during the summer.

STEP, the Shell Technology Enterprise Programme, is a UK-wide student placement scheme, backed by Shell UK and administered in the region by local enterprise companies in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network.

More students are being urged to apply for a placement opportunity before the deadline – Friday 15 June.

Unlike more general work experience schemes, STEP offers students in their second or penultimate year the chance to get their teeth into a specific project designed to help the business improve its performance.

Gavin Mackay, development manager at HIE Moray said the scheme offers benefits to both employers and students. He said: “The beauty of STEP is that it’s a win-win option for all concerned. Local businesses gain from having a bright, enthusiastic staff member to handle a development project, while the students experience a real-life business environment which will enhance their skills and boost future employment prospects.

“A wide range of businesses and community organisations are already signed up, but we are keen to get more applications from students so we can match them with dynamic organisations where they can really put their ideas into practice.”

The eight-week placements run during the summer holiday period, so as not to interrupt full time studies. Students taking part in the programme receive a tax-free allowance of £190 per week as well as the chance to compete for the title of the UK’s most enterprising student.

Placements available include an engineering position, outdoor activities co-ordinator, graphic designer, language student, IT / web developer, marketing/events co-ordinator, media student, legal guidance to the voluntary sector, database developer and accounting support.

Link to further details about these vacancies

Applying

Any student interested in applying for a STEP position in the Highlands and Islands this summer is welcome to contact Karen Darke on 0800 0326240 or by emailing a CV to sharon_inspire@tiscali.co.uk