Historic Structures and Trades

Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) completes technical preservation projects on historic structures within the NPS system. Interns with HPTC can expect to get hands-on experience and training in preservation trades and building crafts by industry leaders.
Training the Next Generation

These service opportunities operate as apprenticeships for the next generation of historic trades and preservation professionals. Historic structures in our national parks are constantly in need of thoughtful and careful preservation, repair, and maintenance.  By assisting and working alongside HPTC on these projects, participants directly improve the physical conditions of nationally significant park spaces that are accessed and enjoyed by thousands of visitors per year
Mentorship

While enrolled, participants are exposed to valuable experiences, methodologies, and mentorship by supervisory park staff, establishing a pipeline for young people to meaningfully engage with historic landscapes and begin a career in historic preservation and traditional trades
Hands-on Experience

Hands-on experience and training in preservation trades and building crafts

Yosemite National Park 2025 Ttap Simmons Harrison — HPTC is dedicated to training the next generation of federal employees and stresses preservation philosophy alongside specialized training in masonry, carpentry, and wood crafting.

In 2024, a total of 78 members participated in internships with the Historic Preservation Training Center based in national parks, monuments, and national historic sites across the country. The dedicated work of these members contributed to the restoration of at least 57 historic structures and the assessment of conditions on an additional 182. A wide range of member work also produced training videos documenting preservation techniques.

Just this past year, 19 participants secured immediate transitions from the end of their term into relevant roles with federal partners, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.

: Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) provides entry-level opportunities for young adults and veterans with no prior experience. Participants receive hands-on training in essential trade skills while helping address maintenance needs in national parks. This program builds the next generation of preservation workers focused on land and cultural resources, preparing them for careers in both the public and private sectors.
: Historic Stewards/Maintenance Action Teams immersive internships focus on preservation projects for individuals with prior experience or education in trades. Interns work with NPS staff in masonry, carpentry, or wood crafting, gaining advanced skills.
: Build Up Technical Internship Program offers technical internships in fields like engineering, architecture, and project management. Interns work on large-scale projects with NPS teams nationwide.
: Water Lab & Utility Shop Internship provides hands-on experience in water treatment and wastewater management. Participants perform system readings, run tests, and maintain water systems, learning skills essential to maintaining NPS facilities, including emergency repairs.

Open HPTC Positions

Service Opportunity	Park Unit	Location
NPS Historic Preservation Training Center – Build Up Landscape Preservation Associate – AmeriCorps	Park Cultural Landscapes Program (U.S. National Park Service)	Remote, US
Patriot Fellows National Capitol Region Facility Management and MAT Youth Program Assistant	Region 1: National Capital Region (U.S. National Park Service)	Washington, DC
NPS HPTC Traditional Trades Advancement Program Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial – AmeriCorps	Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)	Lincoln, IN
NPS HPTC Traditional Trades Advancement Program National Parks of New York Harbor – AmeriCorps	National Parks of New York Harbor (U.S. National Park Service)	New York, NY
NPS HPTC Traditional Trades Advancement Program Shenandoah National Park – AmeriCorps	Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service)	Luray, VA
HPTC Build Up Historic Preservation Project Management Intern - San Juan, PR	San Juan National Historic Site	San Juan, PR