#Canada #Geotab #Youth Employment #Oakville #internships

Geotab's Initiative for Youth Employment

As young graduates in North America step into a job market that has turned increasingly competitive and uncertain, Geotab Inc., a leading company in connected vehicle solutions, is taking significant steps to address this pressing issue of youth unemployment. The company has announced plans to expand its internship program significantly, marking a pivotal move in its 25th anniversary celebrations.

Increasing Internship Opportunities

This year, Geotab is not just celebrating its quarter-century milestone; it is determined to make a substantial impact through its workforce initiatives. The company is set to increase its annual intern positions from an average of 180 to an ambitious 360 for the upcoming year. This increase builds on a solid track record, with over 1000 students having interned with Geotab in the last five years alone.

Neil Cawse, the founder and CEO of Geotab, emphasizes the importance of investing in the workforce: “If we want to shore up our economic opportunities, we must invest in the workforce, creating learning environments for young people to try, fail, navigate uncertainty, and take risks.” He hopes that Geotab's success in building a strong internship program will inspire other organizations to follow suit, especially as youth unemployment figures rise to concerning levels, with the U.S. at 9.70% and Canada at 14.20% as of May 2025.

The Value of Internships

Internships not only provide invaluable hands-on experience for young individuals but also serve as a strategic imperative for companies looking to integrate fresh, innovative ideas into their operations. Geotab’s internship program is specifically designed to foster a nurturing environment that promotes learning, innovation, and professional growth.

Innovation Challenges and Peer Collaboration

During the 2025-26 period, interns will participate in Geotab's annual Intern Innovation Challenge—a two-week competition aimed at fostering creativity and problem-solving. Interns are tasked with designing and presenting solutions that align with Geotab's core pillars of innovation: productivity, safety, fleet optimization, compliance, expandability, and sustainability.

Additionally, Geotab is committed to showcasing the contributions of its interns through a series of videos aimed at highlighting their creativity and productivity. Such initiatives not only raise awareness but also aim to galvanize other companies to create similar programs.

The Student Experience Committee at Geotab is one of the key features of its internship program. This committee fosters social connections among interns, encouraging collaboration and idea sharing through various events and learning opportunities. Building relationships and networking is crucial, as these connections can last well beyond the internship period.

A Call to Action for Other Businesses

Klaus Boeckers, the Chief People Officer at Geotab, echoes the sentiment that investing in young talent is both a moral obligation and a strategic necessity. “Internships provide invaluable opportunities for young people to gain real-world experience while simultaneously offering companies fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. We have seen firsthand how student innovation sparks product advancement,” he states.

Geotab urges other businesses to recognize the undeniable value of internships as a significant investment in their future. By expanding internship programs, companies can help cultivate the next generation of professionals, thereby contributing to the economy’s overall recovery and growth.

Conclusion

In summary, Geotab's commitment to expanding internship opportunities marks a crucial step towards addressing youth unemployment in North America. Their initiatives are not just beneficial for interns; they create an environment where innovation thrives, which is essential for the future of any industry. As Geotab continues to pave the way, the message is clear: investing in young talent is not only prudent but essential for sustainable business success. For more information about Geotab's internship program, visit Geotab Careers.