Government to fund training programs for people to start their career as outdoor workers.  

This year, Outward Bound Canada received funding from the government’s sectoral initiative program for their training academy.  

The training academy is a project responding to the impact that COVID has on the outdoor industry.  

The initiative of Outward Bound Canada is to teach participants leadership skills, teamwork, decision making, and social skills through connecting experiences with nature.  

The outdoors has a lot to do with tourism and hospitality. During the pandemic, the two industries stopped growing due to limited human contact. The government is now taking steps to create new job opportunities for them.  

The training program is fully funded under the Sectorial Initiative Project owned by the government. It aims to provide training opportunities for young adults who are interested in developing their skills in working outdoors.  

“Where it started was this idea that the outdoors is a vehicle to develop real world skills that youth can then take moving forward in their lives, whether that be in jobs in schools.” said Josephine Baran, training academy director at Outward Bound Canada. “So it really is about cultivating resilience and leadership and connections to each other, and also fundamentally like a deep compassion-connection, to the natural world.”  

As a non-profit organization they receive funding largely from corporate partnerships and various foundations.  

Meanwhile, public donations are turned into support for program spots and scholarships, either partially or fully.  

Individuals who are 18 or above are welcome to apply for the training academy.  

There are two programs at the training academy available for people with different outdoor experiences. One is the foundations and the other is essentials.  

The Foundations program is designed for beginners to equip the knowledge and skills needed for starting their outdoor career. This interactive learning experience allows participants to engage in team building exercises and outdoor activities. 

It includes six days of workshops focusing on learning facilitation skills, leadership skills and other practical skills. Also, an optional five-day long outdoor journey is provided for participants with direct and hands-on experience in wilderness travel.  

Some examples include kayaking, canoeing, or hiking.  

Qualifications are also important for those who are starting their outdoor career. Participants will receive at least one entry level certification which is industry-recognized.  

For the Essentials program, it is suitable for people with some experience in the wild. This is an immersive training combined with workshops and hands-on activities.  

It starts with a 12-day workshop.  

Sessions are held in-person except for the two-day online mental health first aid training. Participants will learn about outdoor diversity and equity, environmental and climate change, as well as trauma-informed leadership, and building healthy relationships.  

Practical skills are further explored at a four-day base camp prior to a 10 to 12-day wilderness trip. The focus of learning will be trip leadership skills which involves group living skills, technical skills and risk management. 

“And at the end of that you might be ready to be working, taking youth groups out overnight or working as an assistant guide,” said Baran.  

The training academy also offers accessible options catering to participants’ availability in both programs – access and intensive format.  

The former takes place in an urban setting over multiple weekends. Workshops are held during the day and participants can go home in the evening.  

The latter takes place in an outdoor center where participants stay in a shared dorm for the whole training period. Food and accommodation are included.  

Participants can choose between these options according to their needs. 

As a support for career development, mentoring service is also provided for participants after they have completed the program.  

Most of the workshops and training are facilitated by the Outward Bound faculty with guest presenters or experts on various subject matters. 

Each program has two start dates, one in Spring and one in Fall. Outdoor activities may be different depending on the season.  

As the funding for this program comes at a first-come-first-serve, students are encouraged to apply sooner if they are interested.

To apply for the program, visit https://trainingacademy.outwardbound.ca/.