ORFA Professional Development Courses: 2020 Reboot

TORONTO, July 1, 2020

The ORFA now provides even greater access to educational offerings providing four different course delivery options, beginning July 1, 2020:

Instructor Led Courses - Classroom-based (ILC-CB)

The ORFA, guided by provincial and local public heath departments, will be once again delivering classroom-based programming around Ontario. The ORFA has instituted its Return to Classroom COVID-19 Safety Plan to mitigate potential risks, issues, and concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. All course instruction and examination will be completed in the classroom. For the current listing of classroom-based courses, dates and locations, please visit: https://www.orfa.com/events.

Instructor Led Courses - Online (ILC-OL)

Selected ORFA courses will be taught using video conferencing software that enables the user to meet with the course instructor and other participants online. Participants need no special computer skills or set-up other than:

  • an internet connection that should be able to provide a data download and upload minimum speeds of one Megabit per second (Mbps) or better - broadband connection is recommended.
  • a computer and monitor
  • a webcam, not compulsory but recommended
  • a microphone
  • desire to interact, network, and learn from the comfort of their home/office. 
All course instruction and examination will be completed online in real time. Courses and dates will be announced late August.

Online Courses

The ORFA continues to develop online courses using a leading-edge, learning management system. This course delivery format is best for those who cannot commit to a course with assigned instructional days and times (e.g. classroom or virtual conference meeting courses) or who prefers to work through the learning material at their own pace, regardless of time of day. All online self study courses and their respective exams must be completed within 30 calendar days from course start date.

At present, the following courses are available for self-study:

  • Recreation Facility Cleaning and Disinfection Best Practices
  • Safe Ice Resurfacer Operator (SIRO)
  • Safe Arena Refrigeration Plant Owner/Operator (SARPO)
  • Certified Ice Technician (CIT) Recertification Challenge Exam
  • Basic Arena Refrigeration (available late October)

In-house ORFA Training

The ORFA is once again ready to bring ORFA education and training into our member facilities to meet in-house staff and management training needs. Please CONTACT US for more information.