Preservation and Skills Training

Duration:

6 minutes, 37 seconds

Participants and mentors in the PAST Program talk about their experiences and the benefits of this year-long program.

NPS / Kristi Rugg

The Preservation and Skills Training (PAST) Program trains NPS maintenance employees in the proper preservation, care, and maintenance of our historic assets within the National Park System. This program teaches participants how to view, approach and apply maintenance work on historic assets using proper preservation techniques. 

Who can apply?

The PAST program is open to permanent, full-time, field-based maintenance employees in the National Park Service.

How to apply?

At this time, no future application periods have been announced. NPS employees are encouraged to monitor the DOI Talent registration page for program updates.

• DOI Talent registration page

Testimonials

Hear from participants and mentors from the PAST Program.

Duration:

1 minute, 23 seconds

Alana speaks about her experience in the Preservation and Skills Training Program.

Duration:

1 minute, 58 seconds

Garrett talks about his experience as a participant in the Preservation and Skills Training Program.

Duration:

2 minutes, 47 seconds

Mike talks about his experience as a participant in the Preservation and Skills Training Program.

Duration:

1 minute, 46 seconds

Jean talks about her experience as a mentor for the Preservation and Skills Training Program.

FAQs

What is the PAST Program?

Since 1993, the PAST Program has proudly trained NPS wage grade maintenance employees in the proper preservation, care, and maintenance of our treasured historic assets within the National Park System. Specifically designed to help NPS maintenance employees grow into preservation mentors of tomorrow, the PAST Program is intended to be a comprehensive training experience on how to approach and perform critical maintenance work on historic structures. Through a series of hands-on training work, mentorship and formal learning sessions, you will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of historic preservation while improving your trade skills on active NPS projects.  

What is the cost to participate?

HPTC covers tuition and travel costs for PAST participants. Individual park units will pay employee(s) salary for the duration of the program. Because the program requires multiple weeks of travel, all applicants must have supervisory approval before applying.

Who is eligible to apply for PAST?

The PAST program is open to full-time, wage grade (WG) 5-9 maintenance employees in the National Park Service.  Interested applicants are not expected to have a formal background in preservation, just a desire to learn and work hard!

Is travel required?

Yes. There will be a mixture of in-person and virtual training components. Participates should expect to travel between 4-6 weeks to complete project related training. 

What are the benefits of PAST?

PAST trainees will gain a foundation of preservation knowledge and skills to apply directly to maintenance projects at their home parks. PAST graduates are also expected to pass along their knowledge and skills to interns and colleagues.  

Contact

Questions? Contact our team at [e-mail]

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