Common Ground Trails is committed to developing the trail building industry and the next generation of trail builders. One way we aim to do this is by providing work experience placements to people who are interested in perusing a career in trail building in the future. Trail building is a very unique career, so a work experience placement can help people understand what it involves and explore whether it really is something they truly want to do in a professional and long-term capacity.​

 

How to Apply:​​

If you are interested in a work experience placement, please:

1. Complete our Work Experience Application Form

2. Submit a cover letter and your resume to dreamjob@trails.com.au

Your application will help us to understand your interest, experience, availability, and suitability.

Please note: We receive a large number of applications and may only be able to respond to shortlisted candidates.​​

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Mandatory Requirements:​

​To be successful in your application for work experience at Common Ground Trails, you must:

• Be able to travel safely and reliably to and from the work site each day;

• Have a White Card (general construction induction card), or be willing to obtain one before starting;

• Be part of a student or vocational placement arranged and approved by an educational or training institution;

• Be available to work Monday to Friday (we do not offer placements on weekends);

• Have some relevant experience;

• Be physically fit to perform hands-on work safely;

• Be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

 

Tips for Your Application:

• Highlight any relevant experience in your cover letter and resume. Experience can include school projects,  volunteer work, or activities in your community or around your home;

• Include photos of any trail building work you have done if available (social media links are welcome);

• Show passion and enthusiasm for trail building, construction, and riding.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Who can apply for work experience?
A: Work experience placements are open to students or trainees through educational or vocational programs. 

Q: Where are placements offered?
A: We work throughout Australia - predominantly in Western Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. You can specify preferred locations in your application.

Q: When are placements available?
A: Work experience is available during standard business days and hours, Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 4:00pm. We do not offer weekend or after hours placements.

We are flexible with whether work experience is on a full-time or part-time basis. Some placements may be full-time for a couple of weeks, while others may be one or a few days a week over a longer period. The schedule is often determined by your educational or vocational program and your availability.
 

Q: Do I need prior experience?
A: Yes. While formal employment or experience is not mandatory, we do require some prior relevant experience. Relevant experience can come from a variety of sources, including:

• School subjects: Skills learned in construction-related subjects 

• Volunteer trail building: As there are many mountain bike clubs and community groups that need people to help with volunteer trail building and maintenance, Common Ground Trails will rarely provide a work experience placement to someone who is not currently, or who has not previously, completed any volunteer trail building with a club or community group. If you have not completed any volunteer trail building, please consider doing this before applying. Reach out to your local club or community group to see how you can help. You can find your local club here

• Community or home experience: Activities like DIY projects, renovations, gardening, or helping around the house

• Tool use: Experience using hand, power, or gardening tools and equipment 

Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in your application - even if not from formal employment.

Q: What will I do during a placement?
A: You will be actively involved in a trail or pump track project. This includes hands-on building and other related tasks. You will learn essential safety practices, gain practical skills, and develop a real understanding of how the trail building industry operates. You’ll also get to work alongside our incredible, experienced, and talented crew - learning from them, picking up tips and tricks, and making friends for life.