Arborist Apprenticeship

Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and use of sophisticated climbing and rigging techniques to provide proper care.

Arborists typically:

• Care for and maintain trees to enhance and add value to property and reduce liability. 
• Use sophisticated climbing and rigging techniques to prune or remove trees with an emphasis on safety.
• Ascend trees, cut away dead or excess branches, and lower them to the ground.
• Spray trees and shrubs to prevent common pests and diseases.

Work Conditions

Arborists work outdoors in all kinds of weather. The work is physically demanding and requires dangerous equipment such as chainsaws. Moreover, the work is often performed at heights, so arborists use fall-protection gear in addition to personal protective equipment.

Arborists strongly emphasize safety measures, because their duties have led to an occupational injury rate above the national average.

Training

• 3-year program
• 6,440 hours of on-the-job learning
• 440 hours of paid related instruction (designed for distance education)
• Additional related instruction may be required

Instructor

JOE HOFFMAN, BS, MF

To students and apprentices pursuing rewarding careers in arboriculture, Joe brings the experience of 15+ years in the field and over two decades of teaching and training. The joy he derives from serving students is evidenced by several years of bringing students to industry conferences and leading student clubs. Joe is also an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist®, earned his bachelor’s in urban forestry from UW-Stevens Point, and holds a master of forestry degree from Virginia Tech.

“There’s great joy in walking alongside people and helping them experience their curiosities blossoming into discovery and learning.”

Application Requirements

To qualify for this apprenticeship opportunity, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age: 18 or older
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Physical Ability: Must be physically able to perform the work with reasonable accommodations
License: Must have valid driver's license 
Application: Apply directly to the sponsor

Get Started

If you meet the application requirements listed above, do the following to get started:

1. Obtain direct employment through a company that operates an apprenticeship program or a similar sponsorship.
2. Contact Cole Schmidt to learn about the application process:
   
   Cole Schmidt
   Apprenticeship Advisor & Pathways Navigator
   Mid-State Technical College / AMETA Center
   5000 Coye Drive
   Stevens Point, WI 54481
   715.997.6731
   Contact | Schedule Appointment

Questions