Level Up in 2026: The Ultimate Professional Development Guide for Outdoor Industry Pros

If you’re passionate about advancing your outdoor career — whether as a guide, educator, facilitator, or adventure professional — 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for development, skills enhancement, and industry connectivity.

Outdoors NSW & ACT, in partnership with leading practitioners and organisations, has curated a rich calendar of professional development (PD) sessions designed to help you sharpen your technical skills, strengthen your leadership, and elevate your professional practice in the outdoors. Every session attended earns attendees 25 ONSWACT Professional Development points, keeping you engaged, compliant, and growing.

And every Outdoors NSW & ACT member receives a discount off the listed price by using their unique code in their membership portal.

What’s on offer in 2026

From rope work to remote rescue, and from paddling to outdoor education facilitation, there’s something for everyone in this expansive program. Here’s a snapshot of key offerings:

Technical Skill Development

Single Pitch Abseil Refresher & Advanced Abseil Rescue - These one-day practical sessions are game-changers for guides and technical staff wanting to boost confidence and precision in vertical environments.

Top Rope Climbing Training - Perfect for instructors to build stronger belaying, communication, and safety management techniques.

Moving Water & Canoeing

Solo Paddling & Advanced Paddling Techniques - Expand your watercraft skillset with hands-on techniques designed for safety, confidence, and broader outdoor leadership capability.

Canoe Skills in Moving Water - A more in-depth course focusing on navigation, teamwork, and dynamic water skills — an asset for paddling leaders and educators alike.

Group Management in Challenging Conditions & Advanced Rescue - Build expertise in coordinating groups safely in complex environments while learning advanced rescue methods.

Bushwalking and Navigation

Bushwalking Skills Development in the Duke of Ed Framework - Perfect for leaders involved with youth outdoor programs, this course improves route planning, risk assessment, and group leadership.

First Aid & Risk Management

Comprehensive first aid training is a cornerstone of professional outdoor practice:

• Wilderness First Aid – Four days of immersive medical and safety learning.

• Remote Area First Aid + CPR – Focused two-day instruction tailored to isolated settings.

• Wilderness First Aid Refreshers – Keep skills current and ready for field challenges.

Facilitation & Leadership

Facilitate with Intent - Two days of practical facilitation techniques, enhancing your ability to lead meaningful experiences with clear intent and purpose.

Outdoor Ed for Non-Outdoor Ed Teachers - This three-day, immersive professional development experience helps classroom educators confidently bring outdoor learning to life — aligning experiential outdoor activities with curriculum goals.

Structure That Works Around You

The 2026 calendar includes monthly opportunities across a broad range of disciplines — meaning whether you’re just starting out or seeking advanced specialisation, there’s space to learn, practice, and grow.

Sessions are delivered throughout NSW and ACT in collaboration with trusted partners like Blue Mountains Climbing School, Valley Outdoors, Emergency Australia and others.

Investing in professional development does more than tick compliance boxes: it builds confidence, competence, and community. Whether you’re facilitating school programs, leading expeditions, improving risk management, or mentoring emerging outdoor professionals, these opportunities help you:

✨ Strengthen technical and safety skills

✨ Expand career pathways and leadership capacity

✨ Connect with industry peers and mentors

✨ Enhance educational outcomes for your participants

✨ Boost your industry profile and professional reputation

🔗 Register & Plan Your Year Https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/2026PDSessions

The training calendar includes direct registration links and detailed course info, so you can tailor your 2026 development journey to suit your goals and schedule.

2026 is your year to grow — intentionally, and with purpose.