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Arborist Apprenticeship

Arborist Apprenticeship & Training Programs Nationwide2023-05-19T15:19:31+00:00

Getting Started Is Easy

  1. TCIA recommends you pre-qualify yourself by taking the free, online “Into to Arboriculture Safety course: https://freecourses.tcia.org/
  2. Contact an apprenticeship sponsor to find out how to apply and become an Arborist Apprentice.

Tree Care Companies with Registered Arborist Apprenticeships

Seacoast Tree Care, Stratham, NH

For more information, contact apprenticeship@tcia.org.

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What is a registered apprenticeship?

Registered apprenticeship is an employer-driven recruitment and retention tool that combines on-the-job learning with related instruction. It is a proven approach for preparing workers for jobs while building a skilled workforce. This earn while you learn model offers a flexible training strategy for people who are not attending a full-time college.

Graduates of a registered apprenticeship program receive a nationally recognized journeyworker certificate awarded by the US Department of Labor.

Arborist Apprenticeship is a three-year apprenticeship, that includes both on-the-job learning and related instruction.

Yes, being an arborist apprentice is a full time job and your apprenticeship comes with built in pay scale increases as you progress.

Yes, you will be assigned your own mentor, called an arborist journeyworker. While your journeyworker may not do all of your training, they will always be there to guide you through your apprenticeship.

Your employer will pay you as a full-time employee while you are working. The related instruction part of apprenticeship may take place on-line, at a community college, or as part of a class at your company. Employers differ on how this portion is paid for, be sure to ask if you or your employer will be paying part or all of the related instruction costs.

In general no, however if you participated in an approved pre-apprenticeship or similar program, you may be allowed to start your apprenticeship directly in Year 2, and skip Year 1 of the apprenticeship.

Generally it is no different than applying for a regular tree care job. Because safety is so important in the tree care industry, you may be asked to undergo drug testing, etc. as you would be in a normal hiring process.

A large part of Arborist Apprenticeship is done through “On-the-Job Learning”, so you learn while you earn!

Here are the topics taught and competencies you will learn while you are working:

Hours Work Process Description (Competencies)
450-500 Adhere to ANSI and employer safety standards for all work.
180-200 Identify common trees and shrubs in the employer’s region.
540-600 Perform rigging on the ground and aloft.
900-1,000 Access trees safely.
720-800 Operate a chain saw on the ground and aloft, and perform field maintenance.
270-300 Operate a chipper.
900-1,000 Prune trees and shrubs from the ground and aloft, according to ANSI A300.
720-800 Remove trees and shrubs.
720-800 Local Optional Work Processes
A. Operate vehicles with or without trailer.
B. Operate aerial lifts.
C. Operate stump grinder.
D. Participate in responses to storms and emergency situations.
E. Install tree support and lightning protection systems.
G. Perform plant health care activities.
5,400-6,000 Total Hours

Arborist Apprenticeship includes classroom/self-study instruction to complement on-the-job learning. Related instruction is approximately 440 hours, and can be completed in one of two ways:

  • In-person at a higher-education institution with an approved program
  • Self-study training program provided by the Tree Care Industry Association called the Arborist Apprenticeship Training Program for related instruction.

Apprenticeship Curriculum

While each Arborist Apprenticeship can be designed to meet the needs of the company, in general, the following topics are covered as part of related instruction:

  • Arborist skills
  • Equipment fundamentals
  • Aerial tree work
  • Tree and shrub identification
  • Rigging and tree removal
  • Tree biology and identification
  • Plant health care
  • Leadership in tree care operations
  • Communication skills

Additional Training

Some Arborist Apprenticeships include the following related instruction training, be sure to inquire about these when reviewing apprenticeship:

  • State Pesticide Applicator License
  • CPR, First Aid, and AED certificates
  • Commercial Driver’s License
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