The tide is turning on how outdoor leaders will be educated and recognized
Using the instruction platform of competence validation, the Institute of Sport, Tourism and Outdoor Leaders (ISTOL) Calgary, Alberta is establishing a pathway to recognize and award paid and unpaid outdoor leaders. People who are confident in their knowledge and skills can be validated competent against the criteria for practice-informed outdoor leader certification. And for young aspiring leaders, they can access career tools to gain knowledge and skill for their chose activities as well as recognition and certification.
Based on the validated portfolio of competence (like an artist carries a sample of their work), outdoor leaders can apply for certification. ISTOL with its collaborator WORLD International Competence Centre (World ICU) are establishing a Certificate in Outdoor Leading. This certificate will encourage public recognition of the outdoor leader and the vital role they play.
Employers also benefit when employees have certification based on competence validation. People who present this certificate are ready and able to do the core elements of their job immediately. Employers know what employees can and cannot do, and therefore employers can outline the learning path employees must take to meet employment requirements. From a safety compliance and risk-reduction perspective, the employer and employee are clear on each others' accountabilities and responsibilities.