2025 Trail Apprentice

The 2025 PNTS Trail Apprentice Program will provide workforce training to young leaders interested in a career in recreation, natural resource management, conservation, environmental studies, history, or a related field, by providing support to attend the 2025 National Trails Lands Summit and Training and by offering leadership development, career exploration, networking and educational opportunities amongst the National Trails community.

In 2025, a group of Apprentices will build leadership skills by working with Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS) on a project. The projects may involve developing skills in communications, social media, fundraising, advocacy and policy, programs, and more. Apprentices will provide valuable perspectives to PNTS work and leave the program with hands-on experience and a greater knowledge of priority issues in the trails community.

This program is for emerging leaders who:

• Want to build skills in research, public speaking, social media, communications, fundraising, advocacy and policy, or project management;
• Are interested in learning more about National Scenic and Historic Trails;
• Are able to dedicate 10 hours a month to attending virtual sessions and working on completing a specific project;
• Want to build connections with other young professionals in the program and those in the trails and public lands community;
• Are able to travel to and attend the 2025 National Trails Lands Summit and Training in San Antonio, Texas from October 19-24th, 2025;
• Are interested in gaining knowledge and skills in trail corridor protection, land acquisition, land management and stewardship, and community engagement;
• Would benefit from building their professional network and building relationships with professionals in the trails, conservation and public lands field;
• Are interested in exploring different career paths and building their resume.

For more information on this program, you can visit our webpage here.