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Internships are more than just short-term work experiences—they’re the first step in building a future-ready workforce.

In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz and Betsy Polis, Sr. Director of Projects and Events, introduces GEAPS' NextGen Path—a free, flexible internship companion program designed to enrich intern experiences at grain facilities and supplier companies.

Learn how this plug-and-play toolkit helps interns build industry knowledge, gain confidence, and connect to long-term careers—all while saving time for busy supervisors. Plus, hear how to take your program further with GEAPS’ discounted, interactive course: Introduction to Grain Operations.

Whether you host interns today or plan to in the future, this episode is packed with tools to support your onboarding, training, and talent pipeline.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

• What is the NextGen Path Intern Program?
• The 4 core components: onboarding, terminology, videos, and career podcasts
• Why it works for busy companies and supervisors
• Add-on: The $75 “Introduction to Grain Operations” course
• Who benefits from the program (interns, students, high school students, new hires, and non-ops staff)
• How to register and customize the experience

📌 Critical Links:

▶️ Register for NextGen Path:
https://www.geaps.com/training-education/nextgen-path/

📘 Learn about “Introduction to Grain Operations” Course:
https://www.geaps.com/training-education/courses/introduction-to-grain-operations/

🎓 GEAPS Student Membership Benefits:
https://www.geaps.com/membership/student-membership/

🎧 Browse More Whole Grain Podcast Episodes:
https://www.geaps.com/wholegrain

💬 Reflection Questions for Your Team:

1. How are we currently onboarding and educating our interns about the grain industry?
2. Which NextGen Path components would benefit our program the most?
3. Could tools like the glossary or video library help our full-time team as well?
4. How can we help interns envision a future in this industry?

📣 Share the Episode:

Know someone who runs an intern program? Forward this episode to a colleague, HR manager, or education director—and help us grow the next generation of grain professionals.

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.