News Release

Tuskegee Institute NHS, Tuskegee Airmen NHS, and Selma to Montgomery NHT are currently accepting applications for the Traditional Trades Apprenticeship Program

Date: April 8, 2021

What is it?
Created through a unique partnership between the National Park Service and Groundwork USA, the Traditional Trades Apprenticeship Program (TTAP) is a 5-month, paid apprenticeship where you'll have the opportunity to learn from experts and develop the skills to enter the construction trades industry, all while preserving historical structures in our national parks.

What kinds of things will I learn?

· Historic Preservation techniques: How to preserve and restore historic buildings and structures

· Topics are site specific, but may include woodworking, painting, masonry, glazing, etc.

· How to use hand tools and power tools

· Material handling and project management

· Construction drawing and construction math

· Construction industry standards and procedures

· Historic Preservation Fundamentals Training

· OSHA Safety Training (OSHA 10 card)

Where will the training and work take place?

Currently, there are three National Park Sites available: (unfortunately, no onsite housing is available)

· Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail (in and out Selma to Montgomery, AL)

· Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site (in Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL )

· Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site (in Tuskegee, AL)

In addition to learning historic preservation, what other benefits are there?

· Get paid $16 an hour while you learn. You will be paid for all 20 weeks of training. ($12,800). Paid bi-monthly. You will also be provided uniforms and a computer tablet to facilitate your education.

· Complete the OSHA 10 course and receive your work-site safety card (needed for work at construction sites)

· Participants who complete the program will receive Public Land Corps status for two years that can be used for securing employment with the federal government. (check out w ww.usajobs.gov for examples)

· You’ll also receive leads to government jobs and assistance with resumes and your construction references. Groundwork will also use its network to assist with employment opportunities.

· Ability to attend Groundwork USA’s National Youth Summit. Network with conservationists nation- wide and learn about additional urban restoration work.

Who is eligible to apply?

· Age: Young adults aged 18-30 (Veterans to age 35 with Honorable Discharge). Women and LGB members are encouraged to apply.

· Nationality: United States citizen or legal resident. You must be able to communicate in and read English. You will be required to complete short writing segments during your work.

· Education Level: No minimum requirement (however, you must pass a basic reading and math test). Applicants should be able to read training materials.

· Has a career interest in building trade skills (carpentry, masonry, etc.) and/or historic preservation, but no experience is required

· Attitude: Is comfortable working outside in varying weather conditions and at heights, has a willingness to work hard and get dirty, has a love for the outdoors and working with their hands. Some days may be 10 hours long

· Time Commitment: Can commit to a five-month experience (July 12 – December 13) of combined training and hands-on work, and work full time.

· Other: Be substance free in accordance with a drug-free workplace, pass a criminal history check as prescribed by the Serve America Act, adhere to safety requirements and expectations. In addition, you’ll need to complete Groundwork USA requirements (turn in timesheets, complete reports and forms.

· Have a serious attitude toward safety all day, every day

· Have the ability to think critically and creatively and have a positive attitude

· Have ability to communicate effectively

· Have a professional and respectful manner and works well within a team

· Ability to commit to a six-month experience of combined training and hands-on work

· Flexibility to work outside of traditional hours may be required

· See the site specific requirements below

ABOUT GROUNDWORK USA (www.groundworkusa.org)

Groundworks USA provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health.

Groundworks USA in partnership with the National Park Service and Historic Preservation Training Center are seeking individuals to participate in the Traditional Trades Apprenticeship Program. Apprentices will receive introductory training in a variety of traditional trades and will develop an understanding of historic resource stewardship while helping to preserve our nation’s historic resources. This program provides apprentices with marketable skills and excellent exposure to the historic preservation career field within the NPS as well as the private sector

To apply

Deadline to apply is June 28, 2021