The Training Academy for Outdoor Professionals
"Looking back on this past year, I’m struck by the resilience we witnessed across the outdoor sector as we collectively navigated how to best deliver outdoor programming and training in an increasingly complex environment. From recruitment and retention issues within the workforce, to inflation driving up the cost of delivery, and extreme climate weather events, the past few years have been challenging. I’m extremely proud of my team’s ability to flexibly navigate and adapt to a constantly changing landscape so that the programs, training and certifications we deliver are relevant. I am endlessly inspired by our partners who have persevered to deliver meaningful outdoor experiences, despite obstacles in their way. This outdoor community is strong and resilient and I am grateful to call it home.
There’s no denying that 2024 was a time of continued turbulence in the outdoor recreation industry that sustains over one million full-time equivalent jobs, making it one of Canada’s largest employers. Increasing operational costs largely driven by inflation towards wages, insurance, gas and cost of goods is the most significant challenge, closely followed by labour-related issues. The sector continues to struggle to hire qualified, reliable, and skilled workers, as employees pursued opportunities outside of the sector throughout the pandemic. While Canada's interest and demand for outdoor recreation continues to grow, surpassing the existing infrastructure, there is a continued need for training solutions that both serves the industry and creates accessibility for equity-deserving communities.
Through the ups and downs, we delivered meaningful programs and worked in partnership with organizations that showcased brilliance and impact. This has reaffirmed the importance of our work at a time when it’s needed more than ever. It stands to reason that 2024 was our most successful year since the Training Academy's inception: we delivered training to 681 participants and provided 1908 certifications. Our team's agility allowed us to lead timely programs that addressed critical challenges, including capacity-building initiatives to improve risk management fluency through training, as well as mental health workshops and community-based programs for individuals with limited access.
I’ll close on a note of gratitude. Over the last three years, I have had the privilege of working with a talented team of outdoor professionals who are dedicated to making the outdoor sector accessible and delivering world class training. As we move into the next phase of the Training Academy, I am eternally grateful for the lessons I have learned from this incredible team. Thank-you for bringing passion to everything you do!"
In gratitude and community,Josephine Baran
A BRIEF OVERVIEW
DIVERSITY AT OUR CORE
At the heart of all our programs is a foundation of equity, diversity and inclusion. We strive to create accessibility for equity-seeking groups and create programming that is inclusive.
OUR MISSIONHOW WE CREATE THE FUTURE
We deliver comprehensive, inclusive and equitable training, nationally, through an innovative combination of experiential workshops, outdoor journeys and virtual training that aims to address the skill gaps in the outdoor sector.
OUR VISIONWHAT THE FUTURE LOOKS LIKE
We envision a diverse and vibrant outdoor industry that offers exciting opportunities for Canada’s next generation of outdoor leaders.
OUR VALUESHOW WE WORK
A small but mighty team, the Training Academy team is built on the following principles:
We are all adventurers. We embrace the unknown and challenges in our work and lives. We dare to learn and to try something new.
Diversity is at the heart of what we do. Diversity is not only the right thing to do, but it’s how we grow. Whether through a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, opinions or views, diversity is how we will build a thriving organization and outdoor sector.
Be curious and seek to understand. We consider and actively explore diverse perspectives. Only from a place of shared understanding can we care for each other and the world around us.
Channel courage in all we do. We think big, speak up and are empowered to act. Whether it’s the courage to share a new idea or to have a difficult conversation, we embrace our vulnerability and cultivate everyday bravery.
Trust is built everyday. We consistently build trust through every interaction; conducting ourselves in an open, professional and honest manner. We accept responsibility and quickly correct mistakes because trust is built through both our successes and our failures.
Launched in 2022 as an initiative of Outward Bound Canada, the Training Academy was created to address the representation gap within the outdoor sector while also providing technical skill development and growing social and emotional competencies so that Canada’s next generation of Outdoor Leaders can respond to the evolving needs of Canada’s diverse population.
Our program is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program as an investment in the outdoor sector’s economic recovery.
