STEP Programme
The STEP Programme is a national scheme for project-based, short and medium term work placements. STEP places undergraduates into small and medium sized companies and community organisations to undertake a specific business or technical project driven by the needs of the host business, enabling them to develop their business through the recruitment of bright, intelligent and talented individuals.
The programme opens up opportunities for small businesses to bring in new skills to the company, without having to recruit a new employee. Internal projects that have been left unfinished, or that need kick-starting can be tackled by an intelligent and enthusiastic young person, with usually at least two years of training in relevant specialist skills, covering all faculties of the University. For a small business, this could allow access to specialist fields of knowledge for a fraction of the cost of professional service providers.
Most businesses host a STEP student for eight weeks over the summer vacation, although part-time flexible STEP projects and full year projects can also be arranged. During this time, the student focuses on a specific development project that can assist a company in growth, development or sustainability.
The programme is a national scheme. Individual projects do not attract any Government funding, but the administration is organised for the company by its local STEP agency (often Business Link). As the student’s pay is classed as a training allowance, no tax or national insurance contributions need to be paid.
How does it work?
Once a company has identified a specific development project, with set aims and objectives, is register for STEP online through www.step.org.uk, or by contacting the STEP Management Team on 0870 036 5450 or enquiries@step.org.uk. Alternatively, they can contact their local STEP agent.
The local STEP agent manages all of the administration for the project, from selecting appropriate students for interview from the national STEP database, to issuing contracts and arranging for the student to receive training to prepare for working for the company. All the company has to do is pay the STEP agency £180 per week (current rate for 2005) for the student’s pay, and supervise the student.
The University of Bristol is also happy to try and identify suitable undergraduates for projects with local businesses. If you are interested in this, please contact our Business Account Manager.