Launched in January 2025, Next Wave Learning is the product of a partnership between maritime industry expert A.L. Skinner Consulting, Inc and leading training provider TrainCan. With roots in cruise ship operations and a passion for high-quality education, we set out with a clear mission: to raise the standard of training across the cruise industry. Together, we're navigating a new era of professional development—where crew members gain the skills, confidence, and certifications they need to thrive at sea.

TrainCan, Inc

TrainCan, Inc is a leader in Food Handler Training and additional workplace training programs in Canada. Servicing customers in the foodservice, retail, education and hospitality industry.

TrainCan’s food safety training journey began in the late 1990’s via Kostuch Media Limited who promoted and marketed an American based food handler program. In 1999, work began on a Canadian employee level certification program (BASICS.fst) and a Canadian management level program (ADVANCED.fst). In 2000, TrainCan was formed and Jim Kostuch joined TrainCan as President and CEO in 2002.

Since formation, TrainCan has certified more than 700 000 individuals with food handler certifications and thousands more with workplace safety certifications across Canada. TrainCan remains a leader in Canadian food handler training and certification for both in-class, virtual and online learning.

In 2019, Matthew Kostuch joined TrainCan shortly followed by Jessica Kostuch in 2021. TrainCan has expanded into the learning management and course development space to further service its existing and new clients.

A.L. Skinner Consulting, Inc

Gus Skinner has extensive experience in the field of environmental public health with over 47 years’ service in the Canadian Forces Medical Services – Preventive Medicine, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada combined.

He was the Health Canada & Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Lead Manager for the Cruise Ship – Public Health Inspection Program for 10 years (2009 to 2019). During this period, he was instrumental in the development and direction of the public health inspection program and fostered a positive and collaborative environment between the Canadian Cruise Ship Inspection Program (CSIP), the United States – Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) and the International Cruise Industry.

Gus is a Certified Public Health Inspector under the auspices of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors and a Canadian Registered Safety Professional – CRSP. As a certified CRSP(NP), he presented occupational health and safety training to federal departments and provided guidance to these departments to ensure they complied with the Canadian Labour Code.

He has extensive experience in environmental public health on the international stage, for example: he served with NATO in Germany [1984-1989] as the Base Preventive Medicine Technician, deployed to the United Nations (UN) in the Golan Height (UNDOF) (Israel / Syria) [1992] and Haiti (UNMIH) [1996] as the UN Forces – Preventive Medicine / Force Hygiene Officer.

He is a recipient of the Canadian Forces – Order of Military Merit (Member) for his work in Preventive Medicine and the United Nations; he was invested into the Order by the Governor General of Canada in 1995. The Member of Military Merit recognizes exceptional service or performance of duty.

In 2007, he was awarded the Health Canada – Deputy Minister’s Award of Excellence – for exceptional contribution to the success of the organization.

Last modified: Tuesday, 17 June 2025, 10:52 AM