POSTED: 18.4.2006

STEP PLACEMENT SUCCESS

Dumfries & Galloway students urged to get a step ahead in 2006

Shell Step is looking for outstanding university students to take part in its 20th annual summer programme to improve their employability and fight it out for the title of UK’s ‘Most Enterprising Student’.

Every year Shell Step places over 1,000 students with small and medium-sized firms throughout the UK to undertake challenging, real life business projects. Covering everything from product development and marketing to bespoke software and administration process improvement, projects are matched with students according to their experience and interests.


Ambitious students interested in undertaking a meaningful work placement this summer and developing their business skills can find out more at www.shellstep.org.uk.

Last year 1,112 students from universities throughout the UK took part in the programme and gained valuable business experience and transferable skills. In Dumfries & Galloway eight students were placed with seven companies. Their project ranged from designing reed beds to improve water quality to market research for a local employment agency
Andrew Wood from Heriot Watt University became the local winner in the Dumfries & Galloway Shell Step final for his work with Castle McLellan Foods Ltd. in Kirkcudbright
Andrew undertook a waste management audit within the food manufacturing process. Andrew commented: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to put my skills to practical use and to have made such an impact in such a short space of time. I was well looked after by the company and recommend this summer placement to any student, who wants to make a positive step in their career development.”

James Smith, Chairman Shell UK, said: “Shell Step aims to provide opportunities for undergraduates to develop real business skills.

“Now in its 20th year, Shell Step continues to have a dramatic impact, delivering invaluable benefits for the students and companies who take part.”

Shell Step is the UK’s leading creator of tailored work placement programmes for students in small and medium-sized businesses. A national network of skilled agents matches student applicants, from all academic backgrounds, to predefined business projects which take place during the summer.

Shell Step responds to the need for students to be better prepared for the workplace after graduating and for the UK’s smaller businesses to have increased access to the knowledge and expertise of students. Every year the programme places over 1,000 students with small and medium-sized businesses to undertake projects that make a real difference. The student gets a taste of life beyond university and in many cases the company gets a burst of energy and new ideas that can help to make it a better business.

For further information please contact Eva Milroy, Programme Adviser, Scottish Enterprise Dumfries & Galloway, Browne House, Crichton University Campus, Dumfries DG1 4ZZ 01387 7012155 or email eva.milroy@scotent.co.uk