Arborist dual credit students from Auburndale High School recently enjoyed a unique training opportunity at the inaugural Tree Tech event at Mid-State Technical College. The showcase of arboriculture skills and careers was held at the Wisconsin Rapids Campus on Nov. 15.

The Tree Tech event included hands-on activities in chainsaw training and wood processing as well as career exploration. Students learned about utilizing urban wood resources and had the opportunity to connect with Mid-State Arborist Technician students and faculty.

Attendees gained valuable insights from industry leaders like Wudeward Urban Forest Products and Wood-Mizer. Generous support and sponsorship from the Wisconsin Arborist Association also helped bring this hands-on learning experience to life.

“We are excited to bring local high school students to our campus and give them a dedicated view of the deeply rewarding field of arboriculture,” said Joe Hoffman, Mid-State Arborist Technician and Arborist Apprenticeship instructor. “It's a joy to see the students discover new potential career paths that align with their interests in nature and the outdoors.”

According to Hoffman, Mid-State's Arborist Technician program is nationally renowned. “There are few other programs like it in the U.S., and people as well as other colleges from across the country come to Mid-State to see how our program is run.”

Mid-State’s Arborist Technician graduates enter the workforce with real-world knowledge and skills. Students learn the fundamentals of pruning, plant health care, tree planting and maintenance, plant identification and tree risk assessment. Mid-State’s unique aerial component gives their graduates experience working safely in the trees.

Learn more about Mid-State’s Arborist Technician program at mstc.edu/programs.