The nationwide Shell Step programme is a scheme that matches university students with employers from small and medium sized businesses. The host organisations identify a unique project for the student to complete that will add value to their business and in return the student develops their skills and experience. Over the last few years the Shell Step Programme has helped initiate projects that have reaped significant benefits for host organisations, including the creation of a new company database, the development and implementation of a marketing plan, the building of a new company website and the launch of new products and services.

Cranfield based ‘Parallel’ are just one example of a host organisation that has found the Shell Step Programme invaluable. They are an award winning network management specialist providing solutions for some of the largest organisations in the world and they took their first 3 summer placements last year. This year the company was reluctant to place a restriction on the number of students they would place. Parallel’s Software Development Manager Simon Adams explains:

“…from a business standpoint, the Shell Step programme provides excellent value for Parallel in that it provides a low cost method of evaluating new technologies and ideas. The programme also gives us a very reliable way of identifying potential long-term recruits. Indeed, from our first group of students last summer we offered one a full time role”. 

The Shell Step Programme in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire is co-ordinated by Wenta. They support the host companies and select students with the right knowledge and skills for them to interview. These companies have no obligation to hire the successful applicant but must pay a training grant up to a maximum of twelve weeks.

The programme is open to all public sector and charitable organisations as well as commercial operations with less than 250 employees. This year is the first time that the Shell Step programme will be extended beyond the summer months, so if you have a unique project and want to benefit from a cost effective and dynamic input into your business why not try out a short-term graduate placement? 

If you think the Shell Step programme could benefit your business or an organisation you know, find out more by contacting Sharon Gaffney at Wenta on: 0845 371 0891 or email: shellstep@wenta.co.uk.