CareerShip addresses Hiring Challenges, reduces Risk, & lowers HR Costs
The 3 Phases of the CareerShip Program
PHASE I
Scholarship
Milestones’ education partner, New Leaf Strategies, helps every intern start strong and “job ready.” Each intern candidate’s existing skills and experience are evaluated, then the appropriate training is provided to prepare them for real-world workplace success. This job-readiness training is provided at no cost to the intern or the employer, ensuring every placement begins with confidence and capability.
PHASE II
Internship
Once job-ready, each intern is individually matched with a local employer whose needs align with their skills and goals. During this six-month internship phase, supervisors have the opportunity to observe each intern’s abilities, work ethic, and attitude in their real work environment. Near the end of the program, the employer decides whether the intern is the right fit for a permanent position, turning proven performance into confident hiring.
PHASE III
Externship with OJT
When an employer chooses to hire an intern permanently, Milestones makes the transition seamless. Through our Express Trainer program, a customized on-the-job training plan is developed in partnership with each employer. Express Trainer then implements and manages that plan handling all of the necessary paperwork and reporting. This final phase ensures that every new hire is set up for long term success.
Discover One of Our Remarkable Job-Ready Interns
Meet Chris, a Milestones success story.
Chris began as a paid intern at Signet in Memphis, managing incoming packages in the warehouse. Through hard work and dedication, he transitioned into a permanent position and has since earned multiple promotions and pay increases. Both his supervisor and the company’s leadership agree that Chris is an outstanding long-term fit, and with his continued growth, a management role has appeared on his horizon.
Preview before you hire with greater confidence
Milestones gives you the opportunity to evaluate each paid intern’s skills, work style, and fit before adding them to your payroll. We handle all pay and program administration during the internship, giving you a true preview of each candidate’s on-the-job performance. The results of our program for employers are lower turnover, time saved in hiring, and building your company a stronger, more dependable team.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Milestones delivered exactly what we needed as an employer: dependable interns, positive oversight, and a smooth transition process from intern to permanent employee. At Signet, their impact has been both immediate and lasting.”
Kristen Jones
/ Manager, Special Handling & Client Events – Signet Inc.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Milestones…”
Katie Stewart
/ Operations Director & Plant Manager – Floats & Fuel Cells, Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Milestones Careership program?
The CareerShip Program is a structured, paid internship-to-employment pathway designed to help job seekers gain real-world experience while preparing for permanent positions. Participants complete job-readiness training and then enter a paid internship that can transition into full-time employment through on-the-job training (OJT) with one of our partner employers.
Most simply stated, “We designed CareerShip so employers can build a trained, reliable workforce
with little or no cost additional costs. Milestones handles all payroll, training, and compliance while you, the employer, simply evaluate real workers on the job.”
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
The CareerShip Program is open to individuals seeking meaningful employment, including those who may be re-entering the workforce, changing careers, or completing rehabilitation or workforce development programs. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, authorized to work in the U.S., and willing to complete both the job-readiness class and internship components.
Do participants get paid during the internship?
Yes. All interns are paid directly by Milestones during their internship period. This allows employers to evaluate participants in a real workplace setting without adding them to their payroll until they are ready for full-time hire under the OJT phase.
What kind of jobs and industries are available through the program?
CareerShip partners with a wide range of employers in logistics, manufacturing, retail, healthcare support, administrative services, and more. The program focuses on entry-level to mid-skill positions that offer opportunities for advancement once participants demonstrate reliability, skill, and workplace readiness.
How can employers get involved with the CareerShip program?
Employers can partner with Milestones at no cost to access pre-screened, job-ready interns. Milestones manages all payroll and training during the internship phase, reimbursed at an average of your standard hourly wage rate including applicable taxes and benefits. When the internship period is over and if you’re ready to hire, your intern transitions seamlessly to your payroll under an shared OJT reimbursement agreement—giving you skilled, job-ready employees at no higher cost than traditional hiring. This complete program allows employers to build a skilled workforce at no higher cost than a typical new hire—while minimizing hiring risks and ensuring every new employee receives structured, on-the-job training.