2006 Competition

What is the Shell STEP Programme?

• In brief, the Shell STEP programme is a UK - wide programme offering under-graduates project based work within small to medium sized businesses. To find out more from the Official Website, click the link or the Shell STEP logo above.
• During the Summer of 2006, Robinson's Fresh Foods registered with the scheme as we had a planned major upgrade to our main software package that controls Tele-Sales, Accounting and Stock.
• Following registration, the local Shell STEP coordinators match suitable candidates to the business requirement and allow the host company to make direct contact with the prospective candidate so as to arrange an interview and determine suitability.
• We made contact with our student, Natalie Evans, who was in her penultimate year at Manchester University studying music. Following her interview it was apparent that her strength was in the field of Project Management as she was very keen to pursue a career in Events Management and had already successfully utilised her skills with proven success.
• Although our project was predominantly I.T. based, advanced skills in that area were not necessary as support in that area would be in-house and from our own third party contractors.
• We had already identified that one person was needed to coordinate this migration, as existing staff were already fully utilised to perform their existing tasks and could not be removed so as to concentrate fully on this project.
• For the ten weeks that Natalie worked with us she showed total professionalism and dedication to the project and promoted a culture of communication and cooperation between all staff and third party contractors (HBP Monpellier Limited) that has taken us forward with our project so as to meet our very short but critical time scale. She excelled in her pivotal role and made the transition process for the company smooth and trouble free.
• In addition to the project for which the student receives their placement, they are required to produce a comprehensive report on their placement and also make a presentation, in competition with other students undertaking other projects, with different companies. This competition, firstly starts at local level, the winner then representing their area at the Regional Final.
• We are proud to announce that Natalie won the local heat of the competition against 14 other students, as reported by Isle of Man Newspapers. She then went forward to represent the Isle of Man at the North West Regional Final held at Chester Race Course on 26th September 2006. Natalie achieved 2nd place in this competition, against strong competition from 6 other regional finalists and was highly commended by the panel of judges for her dedication and enthusiasm.
• There is no doubt that our involvement with the Shell STEP Programme has been hugely beneficial to our company but also of great benefit to Natalie, who has acquired some new skills and also developed her many existing skills to a higher level. We all wish her every success in the future and whatever route her career eventually takes her, she will undoubtedly be a huge asset to her eventual employer.
• We look forward to seeing Natalie again when she returns to the Isle of Man as she has been offered additional work with us whenever she becomes available.

• Organisations wishing to receive further information about the initiative are requested to contact Ian Moncrief-Scott, Shell STEP Programme Manager, Department of Trade & Industry, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, on 682383,ims@manx.net