Facilities Workforce Career Academy

cover of 2024 FWCA
Facilities Workforce Career Academy 2024 Course Catalog

Overview

The Park Planning, Facilities, and Lands Directorate of the National Park Service created the Facilities Workforce Career Academy (FWCA) to provide educational resources to prospective and current employees in need of skills-based training to maintain NPS assets. Run by the Historic Preservation Training Center, the FWCA aims to provide best-in-class training in a variety of maintenance career tracks from wage grade trades to facilities management competencies. The FWCA provides training in facilities maintenance and management, historic preservation, and facilities leadership.

Explore the Facilities Workforce Career Academy 2024 Course Catalog.

Who is served by the FWCA?

Our programs are for NPS maintenance workers ranging from those just entering the workforce to the seasoned, long-term employee.

What are our programs?

Through our Continuing Education Opportunities, Aspiring Preservationist Programs, and Task Support Tools, we meet learners where, how, and when they need us.

Continuing Education Opportunities

These opportunities are aimed at NPS employees and industry professionals looking to develop their skills and gain mastery in historic preservation and traditional trades skills. Opportunities vary in length from a couple of days to multi-year programs. Select a program below to learn more.
  • Two people in hard hats and NPS uniforms work on a large log.
    BEST Preservation Workshops

    Training for NPS employees in the preservation of traditionally-built historic resources using problem-based and hands-on learning.

  • Two workers in hard hats and tool belts nail slate tiles on a roof.
    Preservation and Skills Training

    Trains NPS maintenance employees in the proper preservation, care, and maintenance of our historic assets within the National Park System.

Aspiring Preservationist Programs

These programs are geared toward youth, people serving in the military, and military veterans interested in getting involved with historic preservation. Check out the individual programs below for more information.
  • Two interns wearing NPS tshirts and hard hats look up while holding a clipboard and camera.
    Build Up Technical Internship

    Internships for students and recent graduates in technical fields.

  • A worker under a sun shade works on a brick fireplace.
    Historic Stewards Program

    This program targets students currently enrolled in trades, construction or other hand-on, preservation-related fields of study.

  • Two workers in hard hats and tool belts replace mortar between large stones in a prehistoric wall.
    Indian Youth Service Corps

    The Indian Youth Service Corps provides opportunities for Indigenous youth to engage in public service.

  • Four people at an outdoor workbench. One person wears an NPS uniform.
    Preservation in Practice

    Preservation in Practice is a four-week, paid, summer field school aimed at undergraduate architecture students attending HBCUs.

  • Four people at a workbench. One is using a saw while two hold down a board.
    Traditional Trades Advancement Program

    TTAP provides hands-on, historic preservation trade skills training during an intensive five-month learning-while-working experience.

  • Two workers carry a large door. One worker has an NPS uniform on.
    SkillBridge

    SkillBridge is an opportunity for military service members to gain skills through industry training in their last 180 days of service.

  • Workers using a measuring tape in a grassy area next to a structure.
    Landscape Stewardship Corps

    Landscape Stewardship Corps participants train and work alongside experienced NPS staff to preserve historic cultural landscapes.

Task Support Tools

These learning aids are meant to provide on-the-job support at the precise moment of need. They range from online how-to videos to checklists for preservation best practices. Select an example below to learn more.

Last updated: February 29, 2024

Tools