Internships are often touted as the golden bridge between education and employment, but for many companies, they’ve become more of a burden than a benefit. Local trades businesses in Ontario, generating hundreds of millions in revenue, don’t need just any intern—they need professionals-in-training who can integrate seamlessly into their operations and provide real value. Yet, colleges often fall short of preparing students to meet these expectations. The result? Companies waste time and resources on interns who lack the professionalism, focus, and reliability required to succeed.

This disconnect has prompted a growing call for colleges to rethink their approach to internships. AsIn the U.S., Ryan Craig noted in Forbes that “It’s Time For Colleges To Get Serious About Internships,” institutions need to embrace innovative solutions that are more company-focused to lighten the load for employers. Some of the most effective ways to do this include taking on tasks such as sourcing, screening, and mentoring interns to develop professional skills before they even show up on a jobsite. This maximizes the chances that an intern will arrive prepared, and ready to contribute meaningfully. Colleges that align their internship programs with these principles can deliver interns who are assets, not liabilities.

Streamlining the Internship Process for Companies

One of the key reasons internships fall short is the administrative burden they place on companies. Tasks like sourcing candidates, onboarding, and managing HR compliance consume valuable time and resources that businesses could otherwise allocate to their core operations. According to Craig, colleges and other internship providers can take on these responsibilities, allowing companies to focus on integrating interns into their workflows rather than getting bogged down in bureaucracy.

For trades companies in Ontario, this model can drastically improve the value of internships to companies. Imagine an internship system where students arrive already vetted, trained, and ready to contribute. By eliminating the hurdles of recruitment and onboarding, colleges can make it easier for businesses to say yes to internships. This, in turn, encourages companies to offer more opportunities, which benefits both students and employers over the long term.

Preparing Interns to Add Real Value

Another critical failure of many internship programs is a lack of alignment between what students learn in the classroom and what companies actually need. As Craig highlights, colleges can no longer just place any student with any company—they need to ensure that students are prepared for the demands of the job, and the requirements of the placement company. This includes pre-hire training, orientation, and even mentoring to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application.

For trades employers, this preparation translates directly into value. When an intern understands the specific needs of a company, from safety protocols and punctuality to time-tracking and customer interaction protocols, they become a reliable team member rather than an extra set of hands that needs constant supervision. Colleges that take the time to equip students with this level of readiness are not just serving their students—they’re providing a valuable service to the companies that hire them.

Importance and Value of Pre-Hire Training

One of the most significant ways colleges can improve the value of internships for companies is by incorporating robust pre-hire training programs. Craig and others have pointed out that pre-hire training equips students with the foundational skills and knowledge they need to hit the ground running. This ensures that interns arrive ready to contribute, minimizing the need for extensive onboarding by the employer.

For trades companies in Ontario, pre-hire training is particularly valuable. Interns who already understand basic workplace expectations—such as punctuality, safety protocols, and effective communication—can integrate seamlessly into job sites. This preparation reduces downtime and allows companies to focus on their projects rather than spending resources on training. Colleges that emphasize pre-hire preparation not only support their students but also position themselves as reliable partners for businesses seeking competent interns.

At Trade Smart College, we’ve addressed this gap by providing daily, weekly, and monthly contact points with all of our internship students. Rather than simply dropping students off with a company for six months and hoping for the best, we stay actively involved throughout the internship. This continuous engagement ensures that students have a reliable resource for problem-solving, while companies receive ongoing feedback and assistance to optimize the internship experience. By fostering this partnership, we help both parties succeed.

Key Points to Remember

• Internships often fail because they burden companies with administrative tasks rather than delivering value.
• Ensuring that students are accustomed to the schedule and demands of a jobsite can make internships more appealing to employers.
• Pre-hire training ensures interns are prepared to contribute meaningfully to company operations.
• Continuous support during internships benefits both students and companies, ensuring long-term success.

The Bottom Line: Building a Better Internship Model

Internships don’t have to be a burden for trades companies. With the right approach, colleges can transform these programs into mutually beneficial partnerships. By streamlining processes, preparing students thoroughly, and providing ongoing support, schools can deliver interns who are professional, focused, and ready to add value from day one.

At Trade Smart College, we’ve embraced these principles to ensure that our students and their internship employers succeed together. By maintaining active involvement throughout the internship and ensuring companies receive interns who are assets, not liabilities, we’re showing  that internships can be a win for everyone involved.