Outdoor Education Innovation Hub: Re-Imagining Workforce Development in the Outdoor Industry for a Sustainable Future

Summary The Outdoor Education Innovation Hub (OEIH) was a collaborative industry-academia project that took place from 2022 to 2024 and was funded by the Victorian Government. This case focuses on the OEIH research component, and the underpinning participatory action research approach utilised. The analysis of the primary data collected from surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus groups with industry stakeholders revealed highly complex and systemic issues. To address these, extensive collaboration is required, and the project has opened wider discussions around four key themes: (1) industry image and identity, (2) work conditions, staff attraction and retention, (3) diversity, equity and inclusion, and (4) professionalisation and pathways. Developing an action plan with immediate priority and strategy recommendations for longer-term implementation has been a key part of this. The action plan recommendations are presented alongside key findings, the project's ongoing real-world impact and reflective questions regarding how to engage and encourage industry partners to implement research recommendations. Information © The Authors 2026