Getting Started Is Easy
- TCIA recommends you pre-qualify yourself by taking the free, online “Into to Arboriculture Safety course: https://freecourses.tcia.org/
- 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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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