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Trail Apprentice Program

A group of young adults smiling and holding a flag with the National Trails System logo on it

The Trail Apprentice Program provides workforce training, leadership development, peer exchange, educational and networking opportunities for students and young professionals who are considering careers in trails and public lands. Since 2009, the Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS) has brought next generation attendees to its workshops and conferences. Hailing from across the country, these Trail Apprentices have brought valued perspectives and passion to the National Trails System community. Beginning in 2020, virtual career exploration and team building activities were added to the program and in 2023 a project component and social media takeover was added to help Apprentices build hands-on skills.

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 support 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.

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
Apply for the 2025 Trail Apprentice Program here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfD4qSCKCLu4GOWqTDSwnmWnoxUOaIc_9iEDSaU0Zx6PgYSOQ/viewform?usp=dialog

2025 Program Timeline

2024 Trail Apprentice Program Impacts

2024 Trail Apprentices stand together with 'Sunny Saguaro', the National Park Service Saguaro National Park mascot

Meet the 2024 Trail Apprentices!

View their bios, career aspirations, why they care about trails, and more here

 

 

I am so thankful to have been a part of this workshop as an Apprentice. Truly, I have learned so much about this industry, the trails community, and about myself, my future, and my purpose. I cannot wait to share my story, newly influenced by the knowledge I've gained here, with the world.

 

 

Questions?

Please reach out to Cara@pnts.org with any questions about the program.