Diverse and Equitable Training for Shelters, Nonprofits & Social Service Agencies
Formerly Toronto Hostels Training Centre, IDEA Training Collaborative is the official provider of Toronto Shelter Standards training and other essential certifications — including CPI, NVCI, UMAB, and First Aid training that is both accessible and affordable for individuals and agencies supporting vulnerable populations.
Training & Compliance Shouldn’t Be Complicated...
Welcome to IDEA Training Collaborative
Our courses focus on practical, real-world skills in areas such as trauma-informed care, mental health support, conflict resolution, cultural competence, and ethical communication — helping participants navigate the complex realities of working with diverse and vulnerable communities. By promoting empathy, empowerment, and equitable practice, we equip learners to make meaningful, sustainable change within their organizations.
IDEA Training Collaborative is the official provider of Toronto Shelter Standards training and a recognized training center for essential certifications like CPI (Crisis Prevention & Intervention), NVCI (Non-Violent Crisis Intervention), UMAB (Understanding and Managing Aggressive Behaviour), and First Aid training. Whether you’re new to the sector or leading a team, our courses build confidence, competence, and compliance — helping you create safer, more inclusive environments for staff and service users alike.
We offer flexible agency, group, and self-paced e-learning options to meet different schedules and learning goals. Whether you prefer interactive in-person sessions or convenient online learning, IDEA Training Collaborative provides a pathway to continuous improvement, professional resilience, and organizational excellence.
We Understand Your World Because We Work in It
IDEA Training Collaborative is the official training center for Toronto Shelter Standards courses — and a leading provider of professional development for social service workers across Ontario.
Why Agencies Trust IDEA
• Official provider of Toronto Shelter Standards training
• Certified partners for CPI, NVCI, and UMAB training
• Recognized First Aid and Trauma-Informed Care programs
• Experienced facilitators with lived and professional expertise
• Flexible training options: in-person, virtual, and self-paced
Ready to simplify your team’s training and compliance?
Three Simple Steps to Stay Confident and Compliant
Select from online, in-person, or blended training
Select from online, in-person, or blended training
Get audit-ready with certificates, reports, and renewal reminders.
Explore Our Flexible Training Options
Whether you’re registering individually, managing group sessions, or planning organization-wide compliance training, IDEA offers flexible options designed to meet your needs.
Our goal is to make professional development accessible, practical, and built around your schedule.
Upcoming Workshops & Training:
Explore our upcoming instructor-led and virtual training opportunities, including Toronto Shelter Standards, CPI, NVCI, and UMAB certification sessions designed for shelters, nonprofits, and social service agencies across Ontario.Our goal is to make professional development accessible, practical, and built around your schedule.
What Agencies and Learners Are Saying
Real feedback from organizations and professionals who have trusted IDEA Training Collaborative for their compliance, safety, and professional development needs.
Our organization recently had an in-office Non-Violent Crisis Prevention and Intervention workshop facilitated by Julian. His approach to teaching was excellent—he tailored the material to reflect scenarios our staff may encounter.
Kayleigh M.
I took CPI training at IDEA with Julian and had an amazing experience! The session was interactive and full of great insights. I left with valuable advice and new connections from other agencies—highly recommend both the training and learning from Julian.
Darwin P.
I’ve completed many trainings, and IDEA’s stand out for their quality and value. The facilitators are knowledgeable and genuinely care about their students. Class sizes were comfortable, coordination was smooth, and the environment made learning enjoyable.
Lucinda Q.
Ready to simplify your training and compliance?
Whether you manage a busy agency or you’re growing your own skills, we’ll help you build confident, compliant teams with training that fits your needs and budget.
Let’s make compliance simple.
Connect with our team to discuss your training goals, schedule a session, or find the right course to meet Toronto Shelter Standards and beyond.
Support Life on Track
Our Life on Track program helps remove financial barriers for low-income individuals who want to start a career in the shelter sector. By covering the cost of essential training, we empower participants to gain the skills and confidence needed to support people experiencing homelessness.
We’re working to rebuild this vital program because we know how much it matters. Your donation helps us give more people the opportunity to change their own lives while making a real difference in their communities.
Every contribution helps someone get their life—and career—on track.
Training Insights & Updates From IDEA:
New Training Portal – New Processes for Accessing Training
The Toronto Hostels Training Centre has rebranded as IDEA Training Collaborative, and we’ve launched a new website, Training Portal, and Learning Management System (LMS). What does this mean for you? IDEA Training Collaborative will no longer use the voucher system
Welcome to IDEA Training Collaborative!
Welcome to the brand-new website of IDEA Training Collaborative! Our team has been diligently working to create a fresh brand, including the launch of our new Training Portal and Learning Management System. As part of our evolution, we’ve rebranded from
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of training does IDEA offer?
IDEA Training Collaborative currently offers more than 60 professional development courses, including CPI / NVCI Training, Toronto Shelter Standards Training, UMAB Training, First Aid, Trauma-Informed Care, and other compliance-based programs.
Training is available in-person, virtually, or through our e-learning platform, and can be tailored to meet organizational needs.
How do I register?
All registrations are completed through the IDEA Training Portal.
To register for a session, you’ll need a free account — either as an individual or under your organization (e.g., your employer).
Visit the IDEA Training Portal to create your account or log in to view upcoming sessions.
Do I have to work at a shelter to take training with IDEA?
While IDEA’s primary focus is on supporting staff in Toronto’s Shelter, Respite, and Drop-In sectors, we also welcome individuals and organizations from other sectors who work with vulnerable populations.
Please note that priority registration is given to mandated shelter agencies, and all training topics are developed in alignment with the Toronto Shelter Standards.
What are your training fees?
Training fees vary by course.
Most instructor-led one-day workshops are $120, while two-day or blended sessions typically range from $250 – $350.
Self-paced e-learning courses range from $75 – $120.
You can view current rates beside each course within the IDEA Training Portal.
Can IDEA customize training for our organization?
Yes. Our facilitators regularly tailor sessions to your team’s real-world situations, incorporating your policies and goals.
We can customize course content, examples, and activities to meet your organization’s learning outcomes.
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