Aspiring preservationists discover rewarding National Park Service careers

Two Historic Preservation Training Center employees working in a workshop.

Courtesy NPS

The Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) was founded 45 years ago with the purpose of not only preserving our nation’s most important historic resources but to also train the next generation of skilled trade workers in the process.Our two-pronged mission has led us to train hundreds of NPS maintenance employees in our parks; but it has also led to an outgrowth of programs that engage aspiring preservationists from outside of the National Park Service (NPS). HPTC understands the importance of investing in:

• Apprenticeship programs

• Workforce education

• And the combination of school-based and work-based learning.

One such program is the Aspiring Preservationist Programs that focuses working with Native American Youth through the Indian Youth Service Corps. Another such program targets design students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities through the Preservation in Practice Program. We also look to youth and returning veterans through the Traditional Trades Advancement Program, and active duty military members through the Department of Defense’s Skillbridge Program. Watch some of the testimonials we have from individuals who have experienced our programs and as a result are thriving.

Duration:

1 minute, 23 seconds

Massai Leon is one of the inaugural participants in the Indian Youth Service Corps with the Traditional Trades Advancement Program. He talks about the program and his work at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.

Duration:

2 minutes, 43 seconds

Pat Sutton talks about his experience in the Traditional Trades Advancement Program and how it led to a career with the National Park Service.

For every aspiring preservationist we train, we hope to bring a love of stewardship and appreciation for our cultural resources to their lives no matter where their career takes them. The opportunities are endless not only in finding talent but providing a fulfilling career and opportunity to contribute to some of the coolest places in America.