The Essex Development and Regeneration Agency is looking for small and medium sized businesses to take part in this year's Shell Step programme.

Shell Step gives local businesses the chance to employ the pick of counties business undergraduates over an eight-week period starting in July.

Businesses are asked to allocate a specific project for the student to complete on behalf of the company. Projects can range from creating a website, designing new company literature, analysis of production methods, creating a marketing plan or IT systems.

The salary for a Shell Step placement student is £185 per week. Every undergraduate will have completed two years of a typical three year degree course at a UK university. The cost to companies is £1,730 plus VAT.

Shell Step 2005 saw 44 successful placements within Essex and some students staying on as employees.

For more information on Shell Step contact Richard Keenan or Glynis Argue at Basildon Enterprise Centre on 01268 591436,