The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) has introduced GEAPS NextGen Path, a new companion internship program designed to connect students and emerging professionals with careers in the grain handling and processing industries. The initiative seeks to enrich internship experiences, improve onboarding, build industry knowledge, and highlight career opportunities within the sector.
GEAPS NextGen Path operates as a collaborative effort between GEAPS and participating grain facilities or organizations. Interns enrolled in the program receive a complementary GEAPS student membership. The program offers a flexible, structured framework that can be followed step-by-step or customized to integrate with existing internship models.
“NextGen Path is more than just an internship program—it's a pipeline for the next generation of skilled professionals in our industry,” said Betsy Polis, GEAPS Director of Special Projects and Events. “We’re excited to give students a front-row seat to the innovation, impact and growth that a career in grain operations can offer.”
The program is structured around four main components:
- Welcome to the Grain Industry: A one-hour online course covering industry fundamentals, various roles, and safety protocols, serving as an introduction to further GEAPS educational resources.
- Industry Terminology: Access to the GEAPS Glossary, an online, searchable database with over 500 essential industry terms and acronyms to help new entrants quickly learn the sector's language.
- Video Library Reflection: Interns select and reflect on two educational videos from the GEAPS Video Library, which contains over 100 videos on specialized topics.
- Career Exploration Podcast: Engagement with the Whole Grain Podcast, where interns choose episodes relevant to their interests and complete a related career exploration activity.
Companies with existing internship programs are encouraged to participate in GEAPS NextGen Path. The program is self-paced, digital, and customizable, allowing it to be adapted to various internship structures throughout the year at no cost to the participating companies.
GEAPS Executive Director John Caupert highlighted the program's potential impact on workforce development. “The path is green with opportunity in bringing awareness, information and education to the next generation,” Caupert stated. “GEAPS NextGen Path is exactly what this industry needs to develop future leaders while giving interns valuable exposure to meaningful career opportunities.”
