
Backcountry Construction
Our Work-Based Learning Trail Crews are supervised by experienced PNTA crew leaders, and are typically staffed by students from the Curlew Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center, in Eastern Washington. These young adults are provided with a unique work experience, learning and applying construction trade skills, using equipment and techniques appropriate to remote backcountry settings.
Crews construct bridges, puncheon walkways, trailhead kiosks, campground facilities, trails and other outdoor recreation infrastructure. Typically, each crew spends nine days camping out in the backcountry, before returning to the Curlew Job Corps Campus to resume their work-based learning.
Job Corps helps young adults, ages 16 – 24, improve the quality of their lives through vocational and academic training. For 14 seasons, the PNTA has provided work opportunities that let students apply their skills in the construction of outdoor recreational infrastructure on our public lands.
Trade Skills for At-Risk Youth
Since 2005, the PNTA has successfully partnered with Job Corps a no-cost education and vocational training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. Job Corps helps young adults, ages 16 – 24, improve the quality of their lives through vocational and academic training.