Features : A step to experience

It is an uncertain time for graduates as companies cut back and unemployment levels rise. However, Shell Step the UK’s leading student work experience provider has announced that it’s extending its programme to allow recent graduates to take part.

‘Shell Step is a direct response to the challenge that tens of thousands of UK graduates face when they move from the world of study into employment. I am delighted that we can now support graduates as well as undergraduates through our tried-and-tested programme and network of committed partners across the UK,’ said Philip Donnelly, Programme Director at Shell Step.

During the summer Shell Step places over 600 undergraduates, with small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) to run business development projects modified to their individual skills and career paths. Until now the programme has allowed only second and penultimate year undergraduates. This year, people who have graduated from a UK university in 2008 and those that are about to graduate in 2009 are also invited to apply, to enable them to gain experience which could be crucial to getting a job.

The placements

Graduate candidates will be following the same programme as undergraduates - a practical project based placement in an SME for 8-12 weeks. They will get the same induction, review and mentoring process and be given the same support material. Graduates will attend a local awards day, write a project and make a presentation just like undergraduate candidates and they will receive a Shell Step programme certificate at the end of the placement, recognising their participation and achievements.

You don’t have to be an expert in an area, but you should have the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the project. Whether you see yourself as designing and building websites and bespoke software or setting up new business processes, there are placements to suit most needs.

The placements give students the chance to produce results which could provide a real boost to their employment prospects whilst gaining relevant and meaningful work experience. The programme, part of Shell’s wider commitment to encouraging entrepreneurship in the UK, has delivered more than 22,000 projects in SMEs since it began in 1986.

The benefits

It’s not only the students who benefit from the projects. Small businesses who are struggling in the current economic climate can also reap the benefits as the placements can deliver large amounts of money. In 2008, 48% of Step students added more then £5,000 worth of value to their host business, while 17% have added more than £30,000.
 
‘We are delighted to hear that the UK’s leading undergraduate placement programme is being broadened out to include recent graduates. We recognise that small businesses are the engine drivers of the UK economy and it is fantastic news that more of them will now be able to tap into the enterprise and initiative of the UK’s most talented recent graduates,’ said Heather Collier, Director of the National Council for Work Experience (NCWE). 

Further information

• Shell Step