The government is looking for companies, charities and public sector bodies to take part in a work experience scheme for students.

The ’STEP’ programme enables students to undertake project-based placements over an eight- to 12-week period between June and September.

In the last 20 years, STEP has overseen more than 400 work-based student placements across the island.

STEP used to stand for the Shell Technology Enterprise Programme. But, even after the oil company stopped sponsoring it, organisers kept the acronym because it was well-known.

Lawrie Hooper MHK, the politician with responsibility for enterprise support, said: ’STEP students can make a real difference to host organisations.

’Feedback from previous hosts has really highlighted the significant contribution students have brought to their organisation, with many commenting on the high standard of work performed across a variety of different projects and the commitment of the students.’

Organisers say employers can benefit in a number of ways.

They could, for example, lack the skills or be unable to spare the staff to undertake a project.

Projects undertaken in previous years have resulted in either cost savings or business efficiency improvements for the host organisations, or in some cases helped generate additional revenue.

In addition, supervising a STEP student could help staff to develop their mentoring skills and management experience.

Chrissy Callaghan, school improvement adviser at the Department of Education, Sport and Culture, hosted a student last year.

She said: ’The STEP programme provides great benefits for both parties.

’The student gains useful experience in a working environment and the employer has valuable work performed on a project of their choosing with defined deliverables.

’Last year we hosted undergraduate Robert Leece and Robert’s work for us was fantastic.

’Robert’s project involved auditing our Manx language resources and developing a database and user handbook which is now in use across the Manx Language Network "Jeebin".

’The department is looking forward to supporting the programme again this year.’

In January, the Department of Enterprise, which runs the scheme, made a plea for students to take part.

Students who apply are matched with an organisation aligned to their skills and experience, before being introduced by the prospective host and beginning their placement.

Students are invited to present their projects at the STEP final at the end of August, where they compete for various prizes including most enterprising student and best presentation.

The closing date for host applications is May 30.

But organisers say the earlier organisations apply, the more likely it is that they would get the most appropriate students.

To apply to become a STEP student host or for undergraduate applications visit www.gov.im/STEP