2022 Year In Review

Pilot Program Stats:

80 individuals have participated since the start of the program
63.75% of participants are from equity-deserving groups
50% of participants self-identified as women
3.75% of participants self-identified as Indigenous
2.5% of participants self-identified as Black
12.5% of participants self-identified as a visible minority
5% of participants self-identified as having a disability
25% of participants self-identified as being part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community
10% of participants self-identified as being a newcomer to Canada

35% of participants identified as BIPOC or 2SLGBTQ+

*Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC); Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus (2SLGBTQ+).

Program regions: Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario

Number of partners participating in this project: 5

Participant age range: 25-32

Participant Attributes:

Active; Adventurous; Outdoorsy; Youth-focused; Looking to Up-skill; Looking to Educate themselves; Wants to be a skilled Community Leader; Leads Expeditions.

Our 2022 Year In Review

LEARNINGS

We received valuable feedback from community partners, our participants, and staff that informed our program refinements. Some of our learnings included:

Creating multiple formats so that participants can take programming that fits within their schedule. We are launching weekend workshops and intensive formats in 2023 for flexibility.

Building a pathway for introductory access so that participants are not overwhelmed and can learn at their own pace. We designed a new Foundations level for 2023 that builds fundamental technical knowledge and experiences within the outdoors, especially for equity-seeking and under-represented groups.

Staying connected so that participants can benefit from the networks and expertise of the Training Academy’s faculty. We now offer a one-year mentorship program for current and aspiring outdoor leaders, with networking, webinars, resources and job opportunities.

Industry recognition of training and certifications is important within the outdoor workforce.

OPPORTUNITIES

After analyzing these gaps, we were able to develop a more accessible program offering heading into 2023. This included:

Developing a Foundations and Essentials level of programming to accommodate varying skill levels and past experiences,

Offering two formats, Access and Intensive, to accommodate participants’ lifestyles

Offering a series of job-relevant certifications at both the Foundations and Essentials levels