NORC (national outdoor recreation conference)

We are excited to present a concurrent session that showcases the groundbreaking initiatives led by the Professional TrailBuilders Association (PTBA), American Trails, Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC), and the U.S. Forest Service in the realm of trail planning, design, building and maintenance skills training and workforce development. This panel will explore the collective efforts to develop occupation definitions, training options, and career pathways within the Trails and Outdoor Recreation industry through the innovative Trail Competency Framework and skills level breakout.

Our panel will feature representatives from each organization, providing insights into their unique contributions to this transformative work. PTBA will present their expertise as the trade organization, emphasizing the importance of standardized competency frameworks for elevating the trade and meeting the growing workforce demand within the industry. American Trails will discuss their role in connecting the framework to industry-wide career development, and NWACC will share its hands-on training programs designed to nurture the next generation of trail professionals.

By highlighting collaboration between these organizations, we aim to inspire others to join the movement. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the Trail Competency Framework's potential to shape a thriving workforce in the Trails and Outdoor Recreation field and hopefully a renewed commitment to provide pathways for careers and sustainability in this dynamic industry.

1. Identify the key components of the Trail Competency Framework and its significance in standardizing the trail industry through skills training and assessment.
2. Understand the role of PTBA, American Trails, and NWACC, as well as many other private, public, non-profit organizations, in the development and implementation of the Trail Competency Framework and how these organizations will continue to collaborate to train and advance the industry.
3. Evaluate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) that will eventually be put forth to the Department of Labor for a Trail Technician and Trail Manager standard occupational code
4. Explore and provide feedback re: innovative training approaches and programs offered by NWACC to cultivate trail professionals and address the workforce development needs in the Trails and Outdoor Recreation sector.
5. Examine the strategies employed by this collective group to bridge the gap between the competency framework and career development opportunities within the industry through 3rd party occupational competency assessment.