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Building Pennsylvania's Outdoor Recreation Workforce

PORA serves for-profit outdoor recreation providers across Pennsylvania, from ski resorts to whitewater rafting operations, adventure parks to caves. Our education and workforce development initiatives support our members' operational success and help build Pennsylvania's pipeline of outdoor recreation professionals.

We offer industry-specific training, connect our members with job seekers, and create career awareness programming designed to benefit the providers we represent.

Industry Training and Professional Development

PORA offers specialized training seminars designed to help outdoor recreation professionals master critical skills, share best practices, and strengthen their operations.

Lift Maintenance Seminar

Pennsylvania's ski resorts and aerial lift operations depend on skilled lift maintenance professionals. This comprehensive training brings together lift mechanics and maintenance staff for in-depth technical instruction on equipment operation, safety protocols, and operational excellence.

The seminar creates space for professionals to learn from industry experts, connect with peers, and stay current on evolving safety standards and technology.

  • Target Audience:  Lift mechanics, state lift inspectors, operations staff
  • Schedule:  2x/year.  Typically June and August

Training related to Aerial Passenger Ropeways, ANSI B77.1 and Commonwealth of PA requirements. Courses: Unseated Passengers 1.5, Bullwheel/Planetary and Liners 1.5, Gearbox 1.5, Maintenance Records 1.0, Insurance Risk 1.5, Drive & Control Systems 1.5, Industry Incidents 1.5, Electrical 1.5, Workplace Safety 1.5, Cables & Wire Ropes 1.5, Corrosion 1.5.

Snowmaking Seminar

Snowmaking is both art and science. This seminar brings together snowmaking professionals to explore technical operations, energy efficiency, weather forecasting, and the practical challenges of maintaining quality snow production across Pennsylvania's variable climate.

Attendees gain hands-on knowledge, connect with peers facing similar operational challenges, and explore emerging technologies in snowmaking systems.

  • Target Audience:  Snowmakers, operations managers
  • Schedule:  Summer

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Risk Management Seminar

Risk management isn't just insurance and liability waivers. It's the practice of creating safe, well-run operations that protect guests, employees, and your business.

This comprehensive training addresses the real challenges outdoor recreation providers face, from smaller businesses just establishing protocols to experienced resort professionals managing complex operations. Content includes waiver best practices, incident investigation, employee safety, emergency response planning, equipment maintenance, and legal considerations.

  • Target Audience:  Risk management professionals, operations managers, supervisors, business owners, safety staff
  • Schedule:  May 18, 2026.  Registration opens February 2026
Career Awareness & Youth Development

PORA creates career awareness programming designed to build interest in outdoor recreation careers and help develop the workforce pipeline that benefits our members.

High School Career Awareness Events

PORA hosts career awareness events for high school students across Pennsylvania. These interactive events give students exposure to outdoor recreation careers and the diverse job opportunities within member organizations.

Students rotate through career stations led by industry professionals who share their paths, demonstrate real skills, and show the variety of roles available.

How it works:
  • Interactive career stations led by industry professionals
  • Hands-on activities and demonstrations
  • Career education materials and resources
  • Networking with employers and peer students
  • Exposure to career paths they may never have considered

Interested in hosting or participating in a career awareness event?  Contact PORA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PA Outdoor Adventure Pass for 4th & 5th Graders

The Adventure Pass is a PORA member initiative that drives visitation to member providers while introducing younger students to the breadth of outdoor recreation available in Pennsylvania. At $69 for a year of unlimited access, the program helps families discover member businesses and activities they might not otherwise encounter.

Basecamp Partnership

PORA and the Outdoor Businses Alliance of PA have partnered with Basecamp, the leading outdoor recreation jobs platform, to create a Pennsylvania-specific page. This partnership helps Pennyslvania outdoor recreation employers recruit skilled outdoor recreation professionals and contributes to workforce development across the state's outdoor recreation industry.