Isle of Man undergraduates showcased their summer placement projects at the Step Programme Finale on Friday 22nd August to an audience of Politicians, Government officials, local businesses and fellow students.
WinonaReese Dalugdugan was awarded the ‘Most enterprising student’ for their project on Digital Track Analysis System at Isle of Man Railways. The Runner-Up Most Enterprising Student award went to Jerry Yao, who completed their project on Transport System Enhancements at Bus Vannin.
This year’s programme, sponsored by Utmost International Isle of Man, featured a diverse range of projects spanning AI and computer science, policy research, data analysis, marketing and more.
Reflecting on their experience, WinonaReese Dalugdugan, winner of Most Enterprising Student commented: “Winning this award is a real honour. The past eight weeks have been an incredible journey, and I’ve gained so much from working with Isle of Man Railways, specifically the Snaefell Mountain Railway in Laxey. My colleagues there have been really supportive, and it’s been a chance to grow both professionally and personally.
“I’d absolutely encourage any students in their second or penultimate year at university to apply for the Step Programme. It’s a brilliant way to gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and make meaningful contributions to real-world projects.”
The following students also received special recognition:
- Aalish Watts, at Port Erin Commissioners was awarded Best Report
- James Callow, at Utmost International was awarded Best Report runner up
- Joshua Okanlowan, at Utmost International was awarded Best Presentation
- Graihagh Kelsey, at Locate Isle of Man was awarded Best Presentation runner up
- Sarah Atcheson at Zedra, Oliver Hill at Utmost International and Charlie Callow-Moore at Isle of Man Post Office were awarded the Judges Commendations
Enterprise Minister, Tim Johnston MHK, who attended the Step Programme Final and presented the awards, commented: “Congratulations to all the students who took part in this year’s Step Programme. The final event was a fantastic celebration of their achievements and a testament to the talent and ambition of young people in the Isle of Man.
“Supporting young people to explore career opportunities across the Island is a key goal for the Department and initiatives like the Step Programme are vital in helping students gain valuable work experience and discover rewarding career paths closer to home.”
The Step Programme connects students with local businesses and organisations for eight-week summer placements. This year’s hosts included government departments, and private sector companies. Students were assessed on their final presentations, written reports, and feedback from their host organisation.
Judges this year were Maebh Worthing, Customer Assessment Manager at Utmost International Isle of Man and Phoebe Lunt, Head of Marketing, PR & Communications at the Department for Enterprise and Ruth Donnelly, Head of Corporate & Engagement Services at the Office of Clerk of Tynwald.
Applications for the 2026 Step Programme have now opened, apply at dfe.im/step or email [email protected] for more information. Prospective students interested in taking part must be in their second year of a three-year degree or in their second or third year of a four-year degree course to take part.
Pictured above: Participants of the 2025 Step Programme with the Minister for Enterprise, Tim Johnston MHK and Karl Moore, CEO, Utmost International.
Participants pictured (not in order of appearance): Jerry Yao, Rebecca Foster, Spencer Footer, Joshua Clough, Cameron Inglis, Alexander Crowe, Aalish Watts, Harry Grant, Charlie Callow-Moore, WinonaReese Dalugdugan, Graihagh Kelsey, Adam Daugherty, Jamie Casson, David Williams, Joshua Okanlawon, James Callow, Oliver Hill, Sarah Atcheson.
