Companies in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset have the opportunity to develop their business by having an undergraduate to assist them for a minimum of eight weeks this summer.  The University of Exeter is facilitating the ‘Shell Step’ programme, a national initiative which enables businesses to take on UK based undergraduates with specialist knowledge and skills to help develop areas of their business or to manage key development projects.

Last year, a variety of South West organisations and businesses used ‘Shell Step’ to develop their projects. In the past, undergraduates have managed projects including, database design and environmental audits. The students available for placements this summer study subjects ranging from aeronautical engineering to business and finance.

Businesses can draw on the expertise of the undergraduates without actually employing them. The students are paid a weekly training allowance of £185 which is exempt from employer tax and NI contributions.   Some funding is available to the engineering and manufacturing sector, to reduce the cost of a student from any discipline working on a project to help their organisation.

Businesses interested in finding out about ‘Shell Step’ and how they can engage an undergraduate this summer, go to www.shellstep.org.uk or speak to Jane Gill, Employer Liaison Officer, on 01392 263844 or e-mail J.Gill@exeter.ac.uk at the University of Exeter