THE Shell Technology Enterprise Programme (Step), which organises undergraduate work placements, has teamed up with the Department of Trade and Industry to launch a £1.4m initiative designed to tackle the chronic lack of skilled graduates taking up careers in electronic engineering.

Step Solutions: Electronic Engineering, will offer 500 companies a year the chance to benefit from the skills and enthusiasm of bright undergraduates, with a view to eventual full-time recruitment.

Students will spend between four weeks and a year working on projects driven by outstanding business needs, while learning new skills and gaining business experience.

The project will be managed locally by the Tyne and Wear Enterprise Trust (Entrust), which will offer 20 small businesses throughout the region the opportunity to become a host company.

It is supported by the Engineering and Marine Training Authority (EMTA), the national training organisation for engineering manufacture.

EMTA will provide technical support to enable students to record and reflect on their development as they tackle their projects.

Philip Donnelly, managing director of Step Solutions, said: "Electronic engineering companies are crying out for the high-level skills they need to become more competitive. Undergraduates can act as real catalysts for growth by contributing fresh new ideas.

Companies interested in taking part in this programme should contact Pam Clark at Entrust on 0191-244 4000 or e-mail p.clark