FAQ - Apply

This is based on personal preference. Apply to the program you think will serve you best. During our first call, we’ll talk with you about the details of your chosen program and suggest the other program if it might be a better fit. Some enjoy the opportunity to live/work in a national park - where they gain exposure to many different job types within the construction industry while completing projects on historic and other park structures. Others prefer the internship program and see it as a head start on their transition - they are able to move their family/household goods to the location they will be living/working long-term, find their permanent housing situation, become established in their community, etc., before completely transitioning from the military.

No, although you will spend time training and completing project work in a national park, the employment connections CPI develops for you will be with industry companies in your preferred location across the country. Some participants, however, do find an interest in working for the National Park Service or other related federal land management agencies, and this program is a great step toward that career.

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Yes, companies partner with CPI based on their hiring needs. CPI's process of matching internship candidates with companies is designed to ensure there's a high probability of success; this process has resulted in a greater than 90% job offer rate for our internship participants.

We have two main pathways: management (project or production manager, safety manager, project estimator, project superintendent or leadman, logistics, business management, etc.), and a trades path (general construction, carpenter, mason, mechanical, transportation, facilities or site operations, specialty construction, etc.). CPI takes a concierge approach - we work with you to find the right-fit career based on your goals, skills, and preferences.

We work with large and small construction and producer companies across the country. We’ll work with you to find your best-fit opportunity and work with you throughout the interview process.

Starting pay varies based on location and specific role within a company. All partnering companies have competitive wages (typically above the local median) with a strong benefits package (sometimes including company phone, company vehicle/gas or commuting support, and other financial benefits). Specific role and geography-based compensation information is discussed during our Park program, and in the initial conversations with internship candidates.

For the National Park Program, housing is provided at no cost in or near the national park. This housing may vary depending on the location. For the program in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area/Alcatraz Island, housing is in historic military barrack buildings within the park, with single bed private rooms, and kitchen/bathroom/common areas shared with other park interns and seasonal employees.

For the Company Internship Program, housing is the responsibility of the participant. Often, the company for whom you are going to intern can provide information and/or guidance on local housing options.

Park program: CPI provides a transport van for travel back and forth between projects, housing, and the training facilities as well as essential travel for related destinations and supply/grocery runs.  The use of a personal vehicle is permitted; however, overnight parking may be limited at times.  

Internship program: the service member is responsible for their own transportation and their own housing.