STUDENTS in Dartford can now take up work placements for up to 12 months thanks to a new business programme.

Business Link Kent's Flexi-Step programme aims to build on the success of the summer student placement scheme for Kent businesses, The Shell Technology Enterprise Programme (STEP), which has been operating since 1986.

Flexi-Step is more flexible but based on the its parent programme. The scheme aims to bring bright and enthusiastic undergraduates to a project focused on specific business needs, but tailored to the individual client.

Offered by Business Link Kent, through the Kent Technology Transfer Centre (KTTC), STEP has traditionally been run during the summer holidays but the new version, Flexi-Step, offers full or part-time placements from four weeks to 12 months.

The more flexible criteria are designed to meet the needs of companies and students wishing to participate in STEP at any time of the year.

Simon Warran-Smith, innovation and technology manager for Business Link Kent, said: "This is very much a business-focused scheme answering a real need.

"A total of 98 per cent of the companies which took part in last year's programme believed the benefits of STEP either equalled or exceeded the cost of taking part, and 79 per cent predicted long-term improvements in company performance as a direct result."

He added: "Host companies can take advantage of the skills of an intelligent undergraduate to focus on a specific project of their choice, with the company arranging the project and the student completing the work.

"Students receive a weekly allowance of £165 pro rata, paid by the host company, plus the experience of working in a business environment."

The types of projects undertaken by STEP students vary from engineering to marketing, to developing a company website.

For more information, visit www.step.org.uk or contact Delia Stamper on 01227 824310.