The Shell technology enterprise programme: student outcomes Available to Purchase

Assesses the contribution of the 1994 Shell technology enterprise programme (STEP) which subsidised the employment of students in SMEs in the UK. A key issue is whether STEP students participating in the 1994 programme reported significantly superior benefits to those of students that never participated in the programme (i.e. non‐STEP students). Outcomes associated with the programme were assessed over a 36‐month period between 1994 and 1997. The programme had no statistically significant impact on the ability of students to obtain full‐time employment positions. Similarly, the programme was not found to be statistically significantly associated with the ability of graduates to obtain full‐time jobs in small firms. However, STEP students expressed a statistically significantly more “positive” attitude than non‐STEP students towards self‐employment or starting their own business. Conclusions and implications for policy makers and practitioners are detailed.