SHELL STEP

 

Step Have you ever thought what a luxury it would be to dedicate 8 - 12 weeks to solving just one of the challenges you face in developing your organisation?  

The solution to your problem may be a simple suggestion that once implemented could make a real difference. However, to tackle the issues takes time - a rare commodity!

Recently, Devon County Council provided some interesting and challenging engineering projects for undergraduates through the national Step scheme managed by the University of Exeter in the South West 

With a national skills shortage in civil engineering, Devon County Council was keen to provide the opportunity for students to sample real life projects.  Their aim was to develop links with future graduates and prove that the authority is an excellent place for a civil engineering career.   

“Our experience is that the high quality students that come through the Shell Step scheme are capable and enthusiastic and, in the short time available, are able to deliver good results from which both the student and Authority benefit." Anne Downing, Staff Development Officer for Devon County Council.

Step students have helped thousands of companies in the UK over the past twenty three years and now the scheme is open to recent graduates.  Typical projects have been:

  • Setting up IT systems
  • Writing marketing plans
  • Analysing and improving production
  • Feasibility of a new product or service
  • Web-sites and e-commerce
  • Environmental audits
  • Designing company literature

The benefits of Step include:

  • Publicity opportunities
  • Recruiting future employees
  • Cost effective

Application Process

The Careers and Employment Service will discuss your project details and will target specific students and graduates with the skills required.

All projects are advertised anonymously on websites and through bulletins and will include the location and activity of the company. 

Interviews

As soon as a suitable candidate has been identified - through an interview process - and has subsequently been offered the position and accepted, the University will issue the Step contract and invite the student to attend the Induction Day.   

Training for Students and Graduates

A Step placement will be spent entirely with the host organisation, however certain training days are provided for the student to attend culminating in a Presentation Event.   These days are:

  • Induction Day - An introduction to students on the Step scheme and preparation for their placements in early July.   Training will cover team building, reflective learning, communication and health and safety issues.
  • Mid term review – Students and graduates will practise their presentation skills in mid August and will be given guidance on report writing. 
  • Presentation Day - Students and graduates will give a brief presentation on their project to a panel of judges who will have read their report prior to the event.   This day is run as a competition with the opportunity for the most enterprising students to represent the South West at the Southern Finals later in September.  The National Finals held in London in October will identify the "UK's Most Enterprising Student".

Companies may apply on line at www.step.org.uk selecting the right region for your business.

Otherwise please contact Jane Gill at j.gill@exeter.ac.uk who will be able to discuss your proposed project.