MORE firms are needed to take on talented students this summer because organisers have run out of places. The STEP (Shell Technology Enterprise Programme) student placement scheme is proving so popular that not enough places are available to meet demand by almost 100 students.

Delia Stamper from Kent Technology Transfer Centre, which manages STEP in Kent, said: "STEP is so successful that we have six students chasing every available project and really need more Kent companies to come forward soon and take advantage of this great opportunity to tap into the talents of so many keen and bright young undergraduates."

Students are expected to take an active part in the firm. More than half the companies previously taking on a STEP student have reported an immediate impact on company performance. Business Link Kent is subsidising the programme so that the cost to the business of each student is reduced to some £133 per week over an eight week placement.

The STEP programme, run during July/August, aims to help companies with fewer than 250 employees develop their potential by tapping into the skills of undergraduate students. Delia Stamper said: "STEP is a classic win-win situation - the host company benefits from the skills and enthusiasm of a bright, intelligent undergraduate to focus on a specific project of their choice, with the company writing the project and the student completing the work. The student receives a weekly allowance and on-the-job work experience."

Kent companies wishing to participate in STEP can register directly on www.step.org.uk or contact Delia Stamper on 01227 824310, fax 01227 763424, or e-mail delia.stamper@technologyenterprise.co.uk