Project Elevation

Industry tools survey

Project purpose

Here to Unify the Outdoors

By bringing Alberta's outdoor industry together, Project Elevation seeks to benchmark, represent, and validate the high standards and professionalism that exists in the industry.

We're advancing:

  • Recognition
  • Resources
  • Representation

What are we doing?

In partnership with Tourism HR Canada (THRC), we are consulting with Alberta operators to ensure the pre-existing National Occupational Standards (NOS) reflect the high level of best practice and skill that exists in the industry.

A few important clarifications :

  • The NOS is owned by Tourism HR Canada and existed prior to OCC’s involvement.
  • The NOS is not a regulatory document and will not remove authority from provincial certifying bodies.
  • The purpose of updating the NOS is to increase industry recognition, consistency, and influence — not to regulate operators.

What have we done?

  • August 2024 - Curriculum Mapping: THRC mapped 4 certifying and training bodies curriculum against the NOS to identify gaps.
  • October 2024 - Environmental Scan: THRC researched existing training and certifying programs in Canada.
  • January 2025 - Career Path Survey: We surveyed the outdoor workforce to better understanding existing career paths and areas to develop.
  • April 2025 - Working Sessions: We held 2 in person sessions to workshop the NOS title and definition to accurately represent what guides do.
  • September 2025 - Competency Development: THRC developed new competencies based on the gaps identified in the working sessions.
  • January 2026 - Consultations: We held 4 in person consultation sessions with over 65 outdoor operators to make direct changes and improvements to the NOS and new competencies.
  • March 2026 — Online Sessions: We hosted online feedback sessions, giving participants the opportunity to provide direct feedback to THRC, ask questions, and help shape the final revisions to the NOS.

What's next?

  • April 2026 - Advisory Committee Review: Following the workshops and final revisions, the NOS will be presented to the Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from across the outdoor industry and certifying bodies.
  • May 2026 - March 2027 - Industry Led Tools: Into the final year of the project, we'll develop tools for employers to increase professionalism, skills, and standards in the industry. These tools will be industry led

Get involved

*We thank the Province of Alberta for funding this project and seeing the immense value in the outdoor industry.