2025 Trail Apprentice

The 2025 PNTS Trail Apprentice Program will provide workforce training to young leaders interested in a career in recreation, natural resource management, conservation, environmental studies, history, or a related field, by providing the opportunity to attend the 2025 National Trails Lands Summit and Training and by offering leadership development, career exploration, networking and educational opportunities amongst the National Trails community. 

In 2025, a group of Apprentices will build leadership skills by working with PNTS on a project. The projects may involve developing skills in communications, social media, fundraising, advocacy and policy, programs, and more. Apprentices will provide valuable perspectives to PNTS work and leave the program with hands-on experience and a greater knowledge of priority issues in the trails community. 

In addition to working on a project with PNTS, the program will include orientation to the National Trails System, career exploration and team-building virtual sessions and attendance at the 2025 National Trails Lands Summit and Training October 19th– 23rd in San Antonio, Texas. PNTS will provide event registration, lodging, and a per diem for meals to those selected for the program. The Lands Summit offers trainings and skill-building opportunities covering an array of topics important to trails such as trail corridor protection, land acquisition, land management and stewardship, community engagement, advocacy and policy, and more. Those selected for the program will be an active part of the event dialogue, engaging in sessions and networking amongst the National Scenic and Historic Trail (NSHT) communities as well as many other trails and public lands professionals.

This program is for emerging leaders who:

• Want to build skills in research, public speaking, social media, communications, fundraising, advocacy and policy, or project management; 

• Are interested in learning more about National Scenic and Historic Trails;

• Are able to dedicate 10 hours a month to attending virtual sessions and working on completing a specific project; 

• Want to build connections with other young professionals in the program and those in the trails and public lands community;

• Are able to travel to and attend the 2025 National Trails Lands Summit and Training in San Antonio, Texas from October 19-24th, 2025;

• Are interested in gaining knowledge and skills in trail corridor protection, land acquisition, land management and stewardship, and community engagement;

• Would benefit from building their professional network and building relationships with professionals in the trails, conservation and public lands field;

• Are interested in exploring different career paths and building their resume. 

The program is intended for those aged 20-28 but those aged 18-30 are welcome to apply if they feel they would be a good fit for the program. 

Required program activities:

• Attend the 2025 Trail Apprentice Program Orientation on September 8. 

• Work on and complete an assigned project between September 8, 2025 and January 12, 2026. Project work will be supervised by PNTS staff and include regular check-in calls to support project completion. 

• Participate in a presentation at the 2025 National Trails Lands Summit and Training alongside other Apprentices. 

• Assist PNTS staff at the 2025 National Trails Lands Summit and Training with attendee registration, assisting speakers, and creating live social media content. 

• Attend a virtual career exploration workshop with other Apprentices

• Attend the Lands Summit debrief workshop with other Apprentices

• Complete 5 hours of volunteer work that benefits a trail, historic site, or public land area in your local community

• Attend the 2025 Trail Apprentice Program Wrap Up session in January 2026.