13 September 2000
FARREN BACKS QUICK 'STEP' INTO INDUSTRY
One 'STEP' ahead today at Parliament Buildings was Stuart Conroy who became "Northern Ireland's most Enterprising Student," in the Shell Technology and Enterprise Programme. Stuart will now go on and represent Northern Ireland in the UK finals next month in London.
STEP is a UK wide programme, supported here by the T&EA and delivered by NORBIC business innovation centre in Derry. The programme assists small and medium sized businesses develop their potential by utilising the skills of undergraduates during the summer months.
Presenting Stuart with this prestigious award, Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, Sean Farren said: "I would like to congratulate you on this wonderful achievement and wish you every success for the UK finals in October.
"The STEP programme is a very real example of the links we encourage between the higher education sector and industry. I am delighted that our students are able to make such a positive impact on small companies in such a short space of time.
"I would also like to congratulate all 15 students who have performed tremendously in this highly successful programme, now in its 14th year."
Two other top awards were also presented; Paula O'Neill received the judges' commendation, with Suzanne Patrick being awarded the Paul Sandhu Memorial for the best IT project.
The Minister concluded the event by wishing all of the students every success as they returned to their respective colleges to complete their studies.
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