Background
Shell STEP is a part of Shell UK's Social Responsibility Programme and is one of the UK’s leading nationwide placement programmes. Students and graduates benefit from the programme by having practical work experience and a challenging project to complete. This will enable them to improve their skills and provides real experience in applying
knowledge, which will make them more attractive to future employers.
Over 97% of businesses that have taken part in Shell STEP have said that the programme had a positive impact on their business's performance. While more than 97% of students felt that their employability had improved thanks to Shell STEP.
Aims and targets
STEP aims to give students confidence in their own abilities and basic business skills, which are important to evidence in the job market. It also aims to give the small businesses involved a valuable injection of knowledge and energy. STEP is unique in that it carefully matches students with small businesses, gives them responsibility for a real piece of work and offers training and support. There is also an annual competition to recognise STEP UK’s Most Enterprising Student.
Strategy and actions
The programme offers over 600 structured work experiences a year – an important chance for students, as the increasing demand for university places in the UK means more competition for placements.
Monitoring and evaluation
Funding/Cost effectiveness
The programme is funded by the sponsor - Shell.
Sustainability/Transferability
The STEP programme has been running for some 20 years already, and is an integral part of the corporate social responsibility function of a major company. STEP has also been influential on UK government policy on student/graduate placement.
Outcomes/impacts
Achievements
Over the past 20 years, Shell STEP has helped undergraduates and graduates deliver over 22,000 projects within small and medium sized businesses across the UK. The programme enables businesses to grow and develop by providing a dedicated and enthusiastic student or graduate to work on a specific project that they may not have the time or resources to complete.
Success factors
The careful tailoring of student skills to the placement needs is a key aspect of STEP's success.
Unintended impacts
Strengths and weaknesses
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