The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was an ambitious employment and infrastructure program created by President Roosevelt in 1935, during the bleakest years of the Great Depression. Over its eight years of existence, the WPA put roughly 8.5 million Americans to work. Perhaps best known for its public works projects (many preservationists across the country have interacted with historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps), the WPA also sponsored projects in the arts – the agency employed tens of thousands of actors, musicians, writers and other artists.
Inspired by historic WPA recruitment posters, like the one above, The Campaign for Historic Trades has created a new series of posters to highlight a current initiative for workforce development – the National Parks Service’s Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP). TTAP provides unique opportunities for diverse young adults and veterans to gain hands-on experience in traditional trades, train with industry leaders, and develop skills to enter the historic preservation workforce, all while addressing critical maintenance projects within our national parks. Click on any of the images below to download a full size version of the poster to print for display in your workshop, classroom, or anywhere new trades trainees might be found!
New TTAP positions will continue to open throughout the 2022 season as NPS works to expand the reach of these opportunities – click here to view current openings or apply.
