Veterans CareerBridge Program

Veterans CareerBridge Career Readiness (2026 Program)

Career Readiness. Employer Access. Internship Pathways.

Veterans CareerBridge is a structured career readiness pathway designed to help veterans, military spouses, and eligible dependents transition into high-demand civilian careers across Kern County, California.

Powered by TalentBase, the program bridges the gap between education, military experience, and employer expectations by combining professional development, direct employer engagement, and potential paid work experience.

This is not a traditional job placement service. Veterans CareerBridge is a competitive workforce development program designed to prepare participants for employer interviews and internships that may lead to full-time employment.

• September 14th
  
• November 16th
  

How the Program Works

Participants move through a three-phase pathway built to maximize readiness, alignment, and opportunity.

Phase 1: Career Readiness Training (2 Weeks | Part-Time)

Participants complete approximately 10 hours per week of professional development through a hybrid format (virtual instruction with select in-person sessions).

Focus areas include:

• Resume and LinkedIn optimization
  

• Behavioral interview preparation (STAR method)
  

• Professional communication and workplace expectations
  

• Employer panels and networking opportunities
  

• Goal setting and career planning
  

Training sessions are held in the evenings to accommodate school, work, or family commitments.

Phase 2: Employer Matching & Interviews

Following training, participants are supported through a coordinated interview process with employer partners located throughout Kern County.

The program team assists with:

• Interview scheduling
  

• Employer introductions
  

• Alignment between participant skills and role requirements
  

Phase 3: Paid Internship 

Participants selected by employer partners complete a full-time, paid internship designed to provide hands-on experience in a high-demand industry.

Internships may include:

• Paid work experience with a host employer
  

• Real-world project and team exposure
  

• Ongoing check-ins and coaching support
  

• A potential pathway to full-time employment based on performance and employer needs
  

Internship placement and full-time employment are competitive and not guaranteed.

Career Areas & Industries

Veterans CareerBridge partners with employers across a range of industries, including:

• Aerospace & Defense
  

• Energy & Sustainability
  

• Logistics & Supply Chain
  

• Manufacturing
  

• Business Operations
  

• Technology & Support Roles
  

Typical internship areas may include operations support, logistics coordination, HR or recruiting support, technical or IT support, business administration, manufacturing or safety operations, and entry-level analyst roles. Specific responsibilities vary by employer.

Time Commitment & Duration

• Phase 1: Part-time (approximately 10 hours per week for 2 weeks)
  

• Phase 2: Short-term interview period 
  

• Phase 3: Full-time paid internship 
  

Internship placements may require on-site attendance within Kern County. Participants must have reliable transportation or be willing to relocate depending on employer location.

Cost & Compensation

• Program cost: Free to participants (100% grant-funded)
  

• Internship pay: Paid directly by employer partners
  

• Certifications: Optional certification opportunities may be available depending on cohort focus, employer alignment, and funding availability
  

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply by submitting a short interest form. Qualified applicants will be contacted by a TalentBase representative to discuss next steps, screening, and program orientation.

Equal Opportunity

TalentBase is an equal opportunity employer and program provider. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. No applicant or participant will be denied opportunities based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category.

Requirements

Who the Program Is For

Veterans CareerBridge is open to all qualified applicants. Individuals strongly encouraged to apply include:

• Veterans
  

• Active duty, reserve, or National Guard members
  

• Military spouses
  

• Military dependents ages 18–24
  

• Students and recent graduates (degree or certificate completed within the past year)
  

Participants should be motivated to pursue professional employment and prepared to engage in a full-time internship if selected.

Benefits

• Structured career pathway from service or education to long-term employment.
  
• Employer-connected: Work directly with vetted organizations committed to hiring veterans and their families.
  
• No-cost participation: Fully funded by employers, grants, and community partners.