Worcestershire | Archive | 2004 | September | 08
From the archive, first published Wednesday 8th Sep 2004.
A BRIGHT Worcester student who had just seven minutes to impress the judges for a major national award scheme has scooped the prize for Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
The panel responsible for choosing the two counties winner of the Shell Technology Enterprise Programme award were so impressed with University College Worcester student Pradip Rai they handed him the prize.
The 25-year-old will now go on to the West Midlands finals of the awards, which recognise the achievements of students who undertake work experience especially tailored to their course of study.
The STEP programme, which began in 1986, places undergraduates in eight-week summer placements with firms.
Organised by Herefordshire and Worcestershire's Chamber of Commerce and Business Link, STEP lets students explore careers and helps companies recruit bright, young graduates.
"It's great," said Mr Rai, from Nepal, who is studying Information Technology and business management.
"I enjoyed all my experience. I never thought I was going to win - especially with the language barrier - but I just thought I would do my best."
Mr Rai had just seven minutes to impress the panel of judges with his presentation at the awards, hosted by Malvern firm Automated Packaging Systems.
His work placement was carried out at Taylor Lane Timber Frame Limited, in Hereford, where he installed a computer network and customer relationship management system.
"It was an excellent opportunity for us, as much as it was for Pradip, to get an understanding of what's available and what is wanted," said managing director Barrie Lane, whose 70-strong company was participating in the scheme for the first time.
"It keeps us in touch with what students expect from companies and the students look at the project with fresh eyes and see it in a different way.
"It's very refreshing because they spot things and are not afraid to say it - they say it as they see it. We are definitely going to look for another student next year."
For more information about the STEP programme - either as a student or a host company - contact Ivor Ballard at the Chamber of Commerce and Business Link, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, on 08454 508682.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008