The trail building industry continues to become increasingly professional as the years roll on. Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed trail building become a true career path, with builders climbing through the ranks from hand tools to machine work and eventually attaining well-paid management positions.
Most of the best builders in the industry today learned on the job in an apprenticeship manner reminiscent of how many trades used to be taught. And sure, there’s usually a good bit of trial and error along the way, too.
But now, people interested in trail building careers have a new path into the industry, thanks in part to a Trail Technician Program at Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) in Bentonville, Arkansas.
It’s no surprise that Bentonville is launching a program to train prospective trail builders. Northwest Arkansas is an absolute hotbed for trail building, and many major trail building companies — including Progressive Trail Design, Rock Solid Trail Contracting, Rogue Trails, Jagged Axe, and likely more — call the area home.
However, this is a trend that extends further than just Bentonville. “There’s about 15 different community colleges out there that are developing some sort of certificate program for trail building,” said Greg Mazu, founder of Singletrack Trails. Mazu says that these programs are “eventually going to be the way to learn how to build trails.”
What will you learn in the Trail Technician Program?
NWACC’s Trail Technician Program “is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the trail industry, offering comprehensive training in trail construction, maintenance, and management through convenient weekend classes over a 12-week period,” according to a recent press release. In addition, students will learn about trail planning and design, heavy equipment operation, welding for trails, and small engine repair.
Which certifications will you receive?
The program “is offered in partnership with leading organizations such as American Trails, the Professional Trail Builders Association (PTBA), the Trail Skills Project, The DIRTT Project, Trail Tools, and IMBA Europe,” according to the release. “Local partners also provide students with community-focused learning opportunities and practical application experiences.”
Students who complete the program will receive two Certificates of Proficiency: one Trail Technician certificate and one Trail Management certificate. If students choose to take additional Core Construction courses, they can earn a Technical Certificate in Trail Construction and Management.
In addition, “Graduates of the program will be prepared to achieve NOCTI (National Occupational Competency Testing Institute) Level-1 Trail Technician Certification, further demonstrating their expertise and readiness for the workforce.”
A convenient weekend schedule makes it easy for people to pivot into a trail building career.
NWACC knows that many of their prospective students lead busy lives and may already be employed and looking for a career change, so the courses are stacked into 12 weekends instead of occurring on weekdays.
“We are excited to launch this program in a format that is accessible to a broader range of students,” said Lori Greminger, Trail Technician Program Director at NWACC. “Our weekend classes allow individuals to gain valuable skills without disrupting their weekday responsibilities, and our partnerships with top organizations ensure a high-quality educational experience.”
Enrollment in the fall semester Trail Technician Program, which begins September 13th, is now open. For more information and to enroll, be sure to visit nwacc.edu/TrailTech.
