More Apprenticeship Programs

Arborist Apprenticeship

Your Career

While all trees absorb carbon dioxide - one of the gases linked to global warming - urban trees provide greater benefits than rural trees. By providing shade that reduces the need for air conditioning in summer, and by serving as a windbreak that reduces heating needs in winter, properly located and managed trees reduce the demand for carbon-emitting fossil energy in the first place. Overall, researchers estimate that an urban tree can save five to ten times more carbon than a rural tree. Help make the most of these important environmental assets with exciting opportunities within the utility, municipal, and commercial tree care sectors. Entry-level positions usually require strong climbing skills. After that, how high you climb is based on your skills and strengths, and the specific needs of the employer.

Our Program

This program entails a 12-week basic session, and an eight-week advanced session, which starts in January. Key focuses are on the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees in urban surroundings. Emphasis is placed on safety, teamwork and developing sound, up-to-date job skills, and workplace practices. Lectures and labs are balanced with a major practical fieldwork component.

Refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at humber.ca/faq for up-to-date information.

Professional Accreditation, Endorsement and Recognition

Successful graduates receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship.

Additional Requirements

Apprentices must understand/accept the following:

• field practice sessions are two days a week, even under bad weather conditions
• at least 50 per cent of field time involves tree climbing to heights of 60 feet or more
• attendance at all classes is mandatory; unauthorized absences may result in expulsion from the program and/or cancellation of apprenticeship
• apprentices must dress appropriately for scheduled activities and prevailing weather conditions
• on a scheduled rotating basis, students are responsible for supervision of field practice sessions and transportation of tools and equipment to job sites.

Note: All students entering this program must have received a tetanus injection or booster shot within the last 10 years.

Fees

The 2009/2010 fee for this program is
- Basic - domestic $600
- Advanced - domestic $500.

For further information, refer to Fees and Financial Assistance in this publication.

Additional Costs

Apprentices must arrange and pay for their own transportation to field practice sessions at job sites throughout the GTA (most are off campus).

Apprentices must buy the following personal protective equipment: CSA approved Class B hard hat; work-rated green patch safety boots; safety goggles/glasses; hearing protection; chain saw gloves and chain saw pants. (Must wear on second day of classes.)

Curriculum - Arborist Apprenticeship

Alternative Course of Study

Humber also offers the Urban Arboriculture certificate program 01991.

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