Trail Apprentice

2027 Trail Apprentice Program Overview:

The 2027 Trail Apprentice Program will provide workforce training to young leaders interested in a career in recreation, natural resource management, conservation, historic preservation, or a related field. 

Selected Apprentices will participate in leadership development, career exploration, networking and educational opportunities amongst the National Trails community. 

This is a 6 month apprenticeship from December 2026 to June 2027. 

Throughout the 2027 program, Apprentices will build leadership skills by working with PNTS and one of the National Scenic or Historic Trails on a project. The projects may involve developing skills in communications, social media, fundraising, advocacy and policy, community engagement, research, programs, and more. Apprentices will be matched with a project based on skill set, interests, and geographic location. Project work will take place between December 14, 2026 and June 30, 2027. 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.

Additionally as part of the program, Apprentices will join PNTS staff at either 2027 Hike the Hill in Washington D.C. from February 28-March 4, or the International Trails Summit in Durham, North Carolina from April 11-15.

Attendance at the 2027 Hike the Hill in Washington, D.C. will provide skill-building, communication, and advocacy opportunities diving into an array of topics important to trails such as trail funding and appropriations, legislation impacting trails such as the Legacy Restoration Fund and Explore Act, trail corridor protection, land management and stewardship, community engagement, advocacy and policy, and more. Apprentices who attend this event will be an active part of the event dialogue, engaging in meetings with Federal agency leaders, congressional committee members, and individual members of Congress, and networking amongst the National Scenic and Historic Trail (NSHT) communities as well as many other trails and public lands professionals.

Attendance at the International Trails Summit in Durham, North Carolina will provide the opportunity to build skills with educational and training sessions in topic areas such as how trails strengthen local economies and communities, building the trails workforce, belonging and access, health and wellness, partnerships and advocacy, storytelling, research and technology, and building technical trail skills. This event will provide networking opportunities with 800+ attendees from the public, private, and non-profit sectors. 

For both of these events, PNTS will provide event registration, travel and lodging, and a per diem for meals to those selected for the program. 

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 15 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 2027 Hike the Hill event in March 2027 in Washington D.C. or the International Trails Summit in April 2027 in Durham, North Carolina;

• Are interested in gaining knowledge and skills in advocacy and policy, trail funding, 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 19-32 are welcome to apply if they feel they would be a good fit for the program. 

Please Learn More & Apply Here: https://pnts.org/trail-apprentice-program