SkillBridge Spotlight: Julia Mariani

When Julia Mariani began looking for SkillBridge opportunities during her transition out of the military, she wasn’t sure what to expect. What she did know was that she was ready for something different. That curiosity led her to the Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) and its SkillBridge program - an experience that would reshape both her career path and her sense of purpose.

Julia working on machinery.

NPS

A Hands-On Opportunity That Stood Out

For Julia, two things immediately set the HPTC SkillBridge opportunity apart: the location (Fort Vancouver National Historic Site) and the promise of learning real, practical trades.

“It was exciting to step outside of what I was used to,” she explained. “I’d been behind a computer all day in my last job. The chance to try something totally new—and to learn through experience—was huge for me.”

She also noticed something else early on: a strong emphasis on safety. Coming from a background with no formal trades training, gaining her OSHA-10 certification and working in an environment where safety was valued made a strong impression.

A Smooth and Meaningful Transition

Like many service members entering SkillBridge, Julia approached the program cautiously.

“It was well organized, with a clear flow to what we did. I got hands-on experience every day,” she said. “My expectations were exceeded. The transition felt seamless.”

What mattered most to her was the feeling of purpose—continuing a mission, contributing to something bigger, and becoming part of a team working on nationally significant projects through the National Park Service.

Discovering the Trades—and a New Career Path

Julia’s time in the SkillBridge program marked not only her transition out of the military but a major shift in careers. Before HPTC, she had little to no background in the trades. But the work resonated with her immediately.

“It’s very satisfying work,” she shared. “You get into this sort of Zen state working with your hands. And seeing your progress at the end of every day—that’s really fulfilling.”

She’s now exploring how she wants to specialize within the trades, with the goal of continuing this career path no matter where it leads—and hopefully staying with HPTC.

A Standout Project: Cant Ranch Barn, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

For Julia, one project in particular captured everything she loved about the work: the restoration of the Cant Ranch barn at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

Traveling to Oregon and joining the crew on site was a highlight of her SkillBridge term. It was also her first chance to see a project through from start to near-finish.

“It had a huge impact on me,” she said. “I felt emotional leaving the jobsite. Being part of a team and contributing to that project—it was something totally different from what I’d done before.”

Working on the barn’s cedar-shingle roof introduced her to a wide range of new skills, including:

• Shingle layout and installation
• Using chalk lines and power tools on a roof
• Erecting scaffolding
• Wearing fall-protection gear for the first time
• Learning the workflow of a full preservation project

Those new experiences—and the independence she gained as she learned—solidified that she’d found the right path.

Continuing the Journey With TTAP

After SkillBridge, Julia chose to continue her training through the Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) at HPTC. While she remains humble about stepping into a mentorship role, she’s found it meaningful to support current SkillBridge participants when she can—especially those coming from similar military backgrounds.

“I’m grateful that HPTC is willing to take people who don’t already have all the experience,” she said. “A lot of programs want candidates who are already trained. HPTC gave me a chance to start from the ground up.”

Looking Ahead With Purpose

For Julia Mariani, the path from SkillBridge to TTAP has been defined by discovery: discovering new skills, new passions, and a renewed sense of purpose.

“Getting a taste of a project, getting to travel, working with a team—once I experienced that, I knew I wanted to continue,” she reflected. “Enjoying something new for the first time in a long time had a huge impact.”

And now, as she continues developing her craft, she carries forward the mission that first drew her in: contributing to something larger than herself through preservation work that will last for generations.