A survey by Express Employment Professionals found that 44% of companies plan to offer internships this year with 94% likely to hire interns as part- or full-time employees afterward.

A majority of companies, 84%, say interns will be paid for their time.

“There was a shortage in skilled trades talent before the market worsened, so any opportunities companies can create to bring in entry-level employees and match them into apprenticeships or internships for skilled work is a leg-up on every other company out there not offering them,” said Kaylee Cooper, managing director of skilled trades recruiting and apprenticeships at the Express franchise in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Supply chain companies have seen a particular increase in interest around internships.

“In the last two years, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of companies related to the supply chain willing to hire an intern or to train someone from the ground up in purchasing, materials planning or other related roles,” said Heather Merrick, managing director for the Specialized Recruiting Group, an Express Employment Professionals company.

“Much of this is attributable to the supply chain difficulties and a mass exodus from the market at the midlevel of the supply chain,” Merrick said. “People are leaving the field and changing careers due to the challenges, and more entry-level candidates are having to step up into bigger positions to fill that gap.”

The poll included 1,009 US hiring decision-makers and took place between Nov. 10 and Dec. 2, 2021.