AAA Pro Training Program - Frequently Asked Questions

Transcription

1 AAA Pro Training Program - Frequently Asked Questions Changes! Why change anything? Didn t my courses teach me everything I needed? In October 2013 the American Avalanche Association (AAA) hosted a meeting with a diverse cross-section of avalanche industry representatives to discuss the question Is there a need to revise the framework of avalanche education in the United States? The group identified the following areas for improvement within the existing system: Existing avalanche education courses mix professional and recreational students, particularly in Level 2 classes; separate courses for professionals and recreationists may better meet the training needs of both groups. Students in current Level 2 courses are not tested; a thorough evaluation process could allow for demonstration of course comprehension and skill development, especially valuable for professionals. Some existing professional-level courses have parallel topics and learning outcomes yet no clear measure of equivalency; a common system for professional training could increase course consistency and provide clear course equivalencies. Without a single, clear training progression it can be difficult for employers to evaluate the skills of prospective employees, and can sometimes result in redundant training; again, a common system for professional training could address these challenges. Increased consistency in professional training could help improve workplace safety. Conclusion: Separation of professional and recreational avalanche training streams at a certain point could help achieve better outcomes and meet distinct training needs for both groups. Upon suggestion at the initial meeting in 2013, the AAA stepped into a leadership role on this project due to their position as the organization that connects, engages with, and shares information amongst avalanche professionals from all segments of the industry and across all regions of the United States. Stakeholders in this revision process acknowledge the need for avalanche educators and professional avalanche training programs to embrace a common direction and support course consistency to better serve the interests of the avalanche industry, education, and workplace safety. With input and feedback from diverse stakeholders, an AAA-facilitated working group produced an initial proposal that: Developed clear avalanche training progressions for both professionals and recreationists. Maintained an affordable training program for both user-groups while maintaining or increasing course enrollment for providers. Facilitated improvements in education for both user groups. Created a solution to promote reciprocity between as many stakeholders as possible. Established a platform to train professional avalanche workers to a common standard. Why is the AAA responsible for this new program? The AAA is the organization in the United States that connects, engages with, and shares information amongst avalanche professionals from all segments of the industry and across all regions of the country. Additionally, since 1999 the AAA has published avalanche education guidelines for the U.S. and has provided unification and direction for a broad range of avalanche education and training organizations. Through the AAA-run website the AAA Guidelines for US Avalanche Education provide a benchmark and resource for avalanche educators.

2 What are the changes? The AAA Guidelines for Avalanche Education in the United States continue to provide a common benchmark for recreational avalanche courses. These guidelines address Avalanche Awareness, Level 1 Avalanche Training (Level 1), Avalanche Rescue, and Level 2 Avalanche Training (Level 2). The AAA recommends that all winter backcountry users begin their training with Avalanche Awareness (optional), Level 1, and Avalanche Rescue courses. Following these common trainings, there is a split in the training progressions for recreationists and professionals in order to better serve the particular training and skill development needs of each group (see Figure 1 below). Figure 1 Revised Framework for Avalanche Training in the United States For recreationists, the next step in the progression is the Level 2, which has been refocused to emphasize decision-making and small-group leadership and management skills. This course is recommended for all advancing recreationists who continue to travel in the backcountry after their Level 1 The course will provide focused mentorship and advanced skill development for decision-making and traveling in challenging and complex avalanche terrain. For current and aspiring avalanche professionals after the Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue courses, they would proceed with the Professional Avalanche Training 1 (Pro 1) This course is designed for entry-level avalanche professionals and those seeking to gain employment within the avalanche industry. The Pro 1 focuses on skill development that enables the student to be a contributing member of an operational avalanche program. The Professional Avalanche Training 2 (Pro 2) course is designed for

3 developing avalanche professionals with several seasons of applied professional experience. The Pro 2 focuses on skill development that supports the student moving into a leadership role within an operational avalanche program. The Professional Avalanche Search and Rescue (ProSAR) course stands alone to support professional SAR programs and operations. ProSAR students may or may not have taken another course in the Pro Training progression All Pro Training courses will involve a pass/fail evaluation process. Proficient students will receive a course certificate from the AAA and their course provider. The AAA will stand behind the course certificate of a proficient student as long as that person maintains current membership with the AAA and completes recommended Continuing Professional Development. Who will teach the Professional Courses? Professional courses will be offered by AAA-approved pro course providers. Numerous current course providers plan to become AAA-approved Pro Course Providers (e.g. AAI, AIARE, NAS), and any organization can choose to pursue AAA-approval to offer Pro Training courses. The AAA has defined a review process to approve Pro Course Providers that includes a review of course documents and details, a formal agreement between the course provider and the AAA, and an on-site course observation. All Course Providers will be held to specific requirements for staffing their Pro courses with qualified pro course instructors. Qualifications vary depending on the course and whether an individual will be a lead instructor or not. The AAA will offer annual Pro Trainer Workshops as part of the Pro Course instructor training process. All Pro course instructors will need to participate in an AAA-run workshop or an equivalent in-house training for familiarization with the AAA Pro Training Program, specific course skills and proficiencies, and consistent evaluation practices. What do the new Pro Training courses look like? Pro 1 Course: Professional Avalanche Training 1 (Pro 1) is designed for entry-level avalanche professionals or for those seeking to gain employment within the avalanche industry. This course focuses on skills and proficiencies to enable the student to be a contributing member of an operational avalanche program. The student will be taught the proficiencies to be a skilled observer and to contribute opinions during risk management discussions. Course Length: 5 days Student: Instructor Ratio: 6:1 Student Requirements for Enrollment (1-3 all required): 1. Course applicants have completed the following AAA-recognized courses prior to enrollment: a. Level 1 Avalanche Fundamentals b. Avalanche Rescue Fundamentals Applicants who believe they have the educational equivalent of the above-listed prerequisites can apply to the AAA for a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) review. 2. One winter season (20 days or more) of relevant experience (demonstrated through one of following). a. Prior avalanche work experience; OR b. A supervised unpaid work internship in the guiding/avalanche industry supported by a letter of reference; OR

4 c. Winter backcountry travel experience supported by documented trip planning and recorded field observations that contributed to avalanche hazard assessment and personal avalanche risk management; OR d. Letter of Recommendation from AAA professional member; OR e. Current AAA Membership (Affiliate or Professional). 3. Applicant must become a member of the AAA and complete payment of their AAA Pro Course fee prior to enrollment on any Pro Training Pro 2 Course: Professional Avalanche Training 2 (Pro 2) is designed for developing avalanche professionals with several seasons of applied professional experience. This course focuses on skills and proficiencies that enable the student to step into a leadership role within an operational avalanche program. The student will be taught proficiencies to develop operational risk management decision-making skills, including forecasting, risk mitigation strategies, and professional communication. Course Length: 6 days Student: Instructor Ratio: 5:1 Student Requirements for Enrollment (1 4 all required): 1. Course applicants have completed the following AAA-recognized courses prior to enrollment: a. Pro 1 Certificate* b. Avalanche Rescue Course* * Applicants who believe they have the educational equivalent of the above-listed prerequisites can apply to the AAA for a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) review. 2. Work Experience a. A minimum of 40 days of operational experience over two winter seasons, and b. Letter of Reference from a supervisor (AAA Pro Member recommended) verifying: 40 days minimum work experience over two operating seasons (note, this can be in the same year if the worker has worked in both the northern and southern hemispheres). This includes participation as a team member, attending daily ops meetings, and participation in operational activities that requires avalanche risk management. Avalanche rescue (companion) practices with team leader responsibility. The applicant has participated in multi-team organized avalanche rescue exercise(s). The applicant is able to complete the tasks required of a route leader or ski guide. 3. AAA Membership (Professional or Affiliate) 4. Submit examples of the following professional documentation a. Two profiles, two operational meeting forms, two pages from two days of field observations ProSAR Course: Specific skills and proficiencies of the ProSAR course are currently being finalized. These course details will be shared with the AAA membership during Fall I ve been working for many years as an avalanche professional. Will my prior training and experience be recognized? Yes! The AAA definitely recognizes and values the experience and training of current avalanche professionals. We re all coming from that previous system where a LOT more variability exists in formal

5 and informal training and professional paths. The AAA has defined a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process and table of recognized training equivalencies to help bridge between the old and new systems. Ultimately, the AAA seeks to be as inclusive as possible in applying these tools while still maintaining a level of consistency that supports the transition to the new system. Individuals who believe they have equivalent training and experience can apply to the AAA for a PLA review if/as needed for pro course enrollment and/or to fulfill a requirement of employment. What are the changes to course prerequisites? Though course requirements in the current system vary to a certain degree by course provider, the two table highlight some of the main differences in student requirements for enrollment. Current Level 2 Prior completion of a Level 1 avalanche A minimum of one season applying skills and tools learned on the Level 1. Current Level 3 Prior completion of a Level 2 avalanche A minimum of one season applying skills and tools learned on Level 2. Submission of 20 documented tours in avalanche terrain and 10 recent snow profiles. Must be able to find two buried transceivers in a 30m x 30m area in 7 minutes. Experience leading a team in a rescue scenario. Pro 1 (see specific details above) - Highlights indicate notable differences Prior completion of a Level 1 avalanche Prior completion of an Avalanche Rescue Demonstration of a minimum of one winter season (20 days or more) of relevant experience. AAA membership prior to course enrollment. Pro 2 (see specific details above) Prior successful completion of a Pro 1 Prior completion of an Avalanche Rescue Work experience: A minimum of 40 days of operational avalanche experience over two winter seasons. A letter of reference from a supervisor to verify work experience. Prior participation in a multi-team organized avalanche rescue exercise(s). Submission of two profiles, two operational meeting forms, two pages from two days of field observations. Current AAA member.