Published May 1, 2026
This National Apprenticeship Week (April 26-May 2), we’re proud to celebrate our Registered Apprenticeship Program for the occupation of Forest and Conservation Specialist—an occupation Lomakatsi championed for inclusion in 2025.
Launching later this year, this 20-month Apprenticeship Program combines classroom learning with hands-on field instruction centered on 40 professional competencies related to restoration forestry and ecology, providing advanced training and an introduction to college-level instruction for participants interested in taking their career to the next level.
Topics cover forest operations and logging field training, fire suppression and controlled burns, habitat enhancement, forest management for recreation, watershed and riparian restoration, GIS mapping and GPS uses in forestry, technical communication and report writing, and shadowing natural resource career pathways. Apprentices also become certified in CPR, First Aid, and chainsaw operation during their service, with opportunities for specialized training and leadership development.
By braiding together multiple programs and funding mechanisms, we offer up to two years of paid training opportunities in ecological stewardship, equipping Tribal and rural youth and young adults with certifications and a skill-building pathway to careers in the natural resource sector. We’re excited for this Forest & Conservation Specialist Apprenticeship to provide another steppingstone toward successful and sustainable careers in natural resource management!
