FIRMS are being urged to give a step up the ladder to business success.

Applications are invited for the 1996 Shell Technology Enterprise Programme.

The scheme provides firms in East Lancashire with a final-year undergraduate to work on specific projects during the summer.

In the past four years more than 150 students have been placed with firms and have often achieved dramatic results.

In 1995, companies including Daniel Thwaites, Cleveland Guest, Mill Hill Engineering, Earby Light Engineers and Veka took part. This year up to 40 firms are expected to take placements.

Projects already completed include marketing plans, environmental reviews, manufacturing improvements, engineering design, information technology, database development and manufacturing improvements.

Companies are asked to contribute £750, which includes student wages, for the eight-week placement.

The students are paid directly by the trust and so there are no national insurance payments to be met by the company.

The STEP scheme in East Lancashire is managed on behalf of Shell UK by Pendle Enterprise Trust.

Further details on the scheme are available from the trust on 01282 698001.

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