Oxford Innovation

Cash in on work experience worth £15,000

Shell Step has launched its 22nd annual summer placement programme and is seeking SME’s to take on enterprising undergraduates.

Every year Shell Step places hundreds of highly motivated students with small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) throughout the UK to undertake business projects during their summer breaks.

The programme gives businesses the opportunity to add significant value to their bottom line. In 2007 a quarter of students added more than £15,000 worth of value to their host company’s business, while two thirds added at least £5,000. Projects are tailored to companies’ specific needs, so can help small businesses to plug their skills gaps.

To find out about taking part in the programme, visit www.shellstep.org.uk.

In 2007 Martin Energy Limited offered a placement to Ian Whiteside, a computer science and mathematics student. During his eight-week placement he was able to create a revenue stream for the business worth an estimated £4.3million with his new service, the “Demand Buyback System”.

Alastair Martin, managing director at Martin Energy Ltd said: “Iain’s skills and ability were the perfect fit for our business and for the project he ultimately ended up delivering. His work will contribute to a product that could generate significant new income for the business.”

The 2007 students helped SMEs to produce new and enhanced products, marketing strategies, bespoke software, efficient administration processes and lots more. They provided solutions that saved time and money, developed new capabilities and outlined potential new markets. They also gained valuable business experience and transferable skills.

James Smith, Chairman of Shell UK, said: “Shell Step lets undergraduates cut their teeth in the world of work and also helps the businesses they work for. Now in its 22nd year, it’s great that the programme continues to be so popular and beneficial to all involved.”

Shell Step is a leading creator of tailored work placement programmes for students in small and medium-sized businesses. A national network of skilled agents matches student applicants, from all academic backgrounds, to predefined business projects that take place during the summer.

Shell Step enables SMEs to gain added value to their companies while taking on work experience placements. Businesses get a taste of the increased knowledge and expertise of students giving the company a burst of energy and ideas that can help make the future business better.

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For further information contact:
Louise Vaughan: louise.vaughan@bluerubicon.com
Sophie Stringer: Sophie.stringer@bluerubicon.com
or call 020 7260 2700

Notes to editors:

The Shell Step programme for Oxfordshire and Berkshire is managed by Oxford Innovation.

Shell Step is a direct response to the challenge that faces tens of thousands of UK graduates when they move from the world of study into employment. Shell Step places undergraduates into small and medium sized businesses to undertake a specific business or technical project, driven by the needs of the host business.

Also included in Shell’s social investment programme in the UK are:

• Shell Springboard is a programme that provides a financial boost to innovative, low carbon business ideas from across the UK. In 2008 Shell Springboard has provided 9 awards of up to £40,000. Through Springboard Shell supports those people and businesses who, through innovative ideas, are trying to seize the commercial opportunities presented by climate change.

• Shell Livewire is a highly valued and well-used source of encouragement and advice for young entrepreneurs. Last year alone some 25,000 entrepreneurs got support and advice from the programme. 220,000 people visited the website.
  At the heart of Shell Livewire is a support network that delivers insight and advice. It offers both tailored and general support and helps young entrepreneurs foster useful relationships with others like them – who understand the challenges faced by new businesses and young entrepreneurs.

• Shell Education Service provides a series of unique, interactive physical science workshops to 50,000 young children a year. Workshops are designed to support directly the UK curricula and are run by expert leaders, who travel to hundreds of individual primary schools. There, the teachers watch as the workshops are delivered and take ideas to boost their own science lessons.

The Shell Education Service also organises science days with local communities and supports trainee primary teachers, building their confidence and skills in teaching science. Shell has supported this programme for over 50 years, listening to teachers and moving from providing books and posters to today’s hands-on expertise.