Turning the Call of the Wild into a Career in the Wild

~Brad Ambler had always been interested in the outdoors and adventure sports, so it's no surprise that, when deciding on a career-training path, he went looking for a program that would combine his love of adventure with practical skills.~

The Edmonton native chose COTR's Mountain Adventure Skills Training program (MAST) -- nine months of intensive theoretical and practical training in the outdoor adventure industry -- because he felt it had the courses required for the career he wanted, and the location was close to home.

"The MAST program was a great experience, it allowed me to get into the industry I wanted as soon as I graduated," he explains.

After graduating from the MAST program in 2006, Brad began a summer job as a rock climbing instructor at the Tim Horton's Children Ranch in Kananaskis, AB. He returned to the ranch in the summer of 2007, and is now employed there year round. During the winter months he helps take groups out snowshoeing around the area, or to use the indoor climbing wall. The summer will bring Brad a new challenge.

"This up coming summer I will be moving into a new position as the Outdoor Pursuit Coordinator, where I will be making sure that the camp's whitewater rafting, climbing, and day hiking programs are all run properly," Brad explained. He'll also be running a six day training session at the beginning of the summer for the camp's guides.

Brad believes that the MAST program provided the stepping stones he needed to succeed in the career he loves.

More information about the Mountain Adventure Skills Training program

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