Enhancing trades education with internship programs

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the expectations of younger workers when it comes to internships. Especially within industries like construction and transport, where the quality, long-term worker pool seems to get more shallow by the day, entry-level professionals are seeking more from these opportunities than ever before.

Gen Z is expected to make up almost 30 percent of the workforce by 2025.

But leaders in these industries can use that to their advantage. Internships have also transformed into vital stepping stones for career development rather than mere resume fillers. Younger workers want hands-on experiences that provide practical skills and insights into chosen fields. They crave mentorship from seasoned professionals who can offer guidance and support as they navigate the complexities of the workplace.

And companies in the construction and transport spaces who are willing to both understand and embrace younger workers’ desire for meaningful work and purposeful careers – even as evidenced by their internships – will almost certainly position themselves ahead of their competition in the ongoing race for next-gen employees.

Adapt and train

To put a finer point on it, Gen Z is expected to make up almost 30 percent of the workforce by 2025. To recruit and retain this emerging talent pool, your internship program must adapt to include career growth opportunities or training, highlight your company’s positive organizational culture and provide them with meaningful work.

Additionally, an emphasis on networking cannot be overstated. Younger workers recognize the importance of building relationships and connections early in their careers. Internships offer valuable opportunities to network with industry professionals, potentially opening doors to future opportunities within the company.

Flexibility is another key aspect younger workers seek in internships. With the rise of remote work and flexible schedules, they appreciate internships that allow them to balance work with other commitments such as education or personal pursuits.

Essentially, internships are no longer seen as temporary gigs but rather as integral parts of career development. Employers who understand and adapt to the evolving needs of younger workers stand to benefit by attracting top talent and fostering a pipeline of skilled professionals for the future.

Remain competitive

Having a formalized intern program not only benefits interns, but it also allows your company to have some sense of control over the impact you’re making on intern development – as well as help shape your interns’ professional skills in a more structured environment. And remember, word spreads. If developed in a way that proves your organization is willing to invest in employee evolution, your program will undoubtedly gain attention, hopefully traction, among the exact audience you’re trying to attract and ultimately retain.

Some things to consider if your internship program is in need of an upgrade: Define your objectives and goals; Develop a structured curriculum; Select qualified mentors; Recruit and select interns; Figure out the compensation/benefits piece; Implement consistent monitoring and evaluation; and set about fostering a positive, supportive work environment that values communication, learning and development.

It’s also extremely important to assign someone to facilitate your company’s intern program. This should be someone to serve as an organizational cheerleader, someone with a passion for career growth with know-how and bandwidth to show interns the path forward at your company. This person could be on your HR team, could be hired specifically to manage your intern program or could be added to an already-existing employee’s responsibilities.

At the end of the day, developing a robust internship program holds substantial value for any organization, especially those in the trades – offering a range of benefits that extend beyond immediate staffing needs. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, companies can secure their long-term success and remain competitive in an ever-evolving market.