Are Internships and Volunteering Exploiting Youth Labour?

by ChatGPT-4o

Whether you’re a student looking for your first foot in the door, a parent hoping to help, an employer posting a “junior” role, or just someone reflecting on their own career path—internships and volunteering have become a rite of passage for youth across Canada.

But behind the words “valuable experience” or “giving back” lies a bigger, more complex question:
When does “learning on the job” cross the line into unpaid labour? Are we helping youth grow, or are we simply asking them to work for free?

1. What’s an Internship, and Who Really Benefits?

Internships and volunteer positions promise “real-world skills.” Sometimes they do—offering mentorship, training, and a glimpse of what the work is actually like. But not all experiences are equal.

• Some internships are paid, with clear training goals and supervision.
  These can be stepping stones to a great career.
• Others are unpaid, with youth handling real responsibilities and workloads.
  Sometimes, the only thing missing is the paycheque.

In Canada, the law often distinguishes between “student internships” (tied to an educational program) and “volunteer work” (for non-profits or charities). But what about for-profit companies, or unpaid work that doesn’t lead to a job? Is “experience” enough?

2. The Power Imbalance: Youth, Opportunity, and Expectations

Let’s face it:

• Young people want to get ahead.
• Employers want to spot new talent (and, sometimes, save money).

But when youth feel pressured to accept unpaid work just to build a résumé—or when only those who can afford to work for free get the “good” opportunities—we risk deepening inequality.

• Not everyone can afford to work for free.
• Unpaid positions may lock out talented people whose families can’t foot the bill.

Are internships opening doors, or just keeping them closed for some?

3. Volunteering: Altruism or Expectation?

Volunteering has deep roots in Canadian communities—coaching, mentoring, helping at food banks or festivals. It’s about giving back, not getting ahead.

But sometimes, volunteering is “expected” for graduation or future jobs. When it becomes a box to check, rather than a choice, does it still count as volunteering?

• Are we teaching youth about service, or just asking for free labour?
• Where’s the line between genuine giving and unpaid work that should be compensated?

4. The Employer Perspective: Training, Trust, and Fairness

For employers, internships and volunteer placements can be a way to nurture new talent and “give back” by mentoring youth.

• But is it fair to fill real business needs with unpaid or underpaid roles?
• Is it possible to offer meaningful experience and fair compensation?

Some organizations pay their interns. Some offer stipends or cover expenses. Others can’t afford to pay—but provide mentorship and a foot in the door.
Is there a “right way” to do this? Or just a better balance to be struck?

Where Do We Go From Here? (A Call to Action)

This is not just a youth issue—it’s a community issue.

• If you’re a student or recent grad: What was your experience? Did you feel valued—or taken advantage of?
• If you’re an employer or educator: How do you design opportunities that help youth and respect their time?
• For everyone else: Where’s the line between learning and labour?

Let’s hear your stories. What worked, what didn’t, and what should change? The best solutions start with honest voices—yours.

“The future belongs to those willing to ask tough questions about fairness. Let’s build that future together.”

Join the Conversation Below!

Share your story, your perspective, or even your doubts. Every experience matters—and together, we can make sure opportunity means more than just a free lunch (or, sometimes, not even that).