An Arborist transplants, maintains and removes trees and woody plants using ropes, climbing systems, pruning tools, diagnostic tools and mechanized equipment. Arborists have knowledge in the science of arboriculture, the cultivation, management and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and woody plants. An Arborist carries out treatments for optimal tree health, managing pests, diseases, wounds and defects that impact trees and woody plants. Specifically, an Arborist:
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
An apprenticeship training program consists of on-the-job and in-school training. Generally, the time-frame to become competent in the trade of Arborist is 6,000 hours (approximately three years) consisting of 5,340 hours of on-the-job work experience and 660 hours of in-school training.
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
An apprenticeship involves practical training provided on-the-job by a skilled worker, or trainer. The skills or competencies to be developed are set out by the trade’s apprenticeship training standard and are recognized by the industry as being essential to the practice of the trade.
As these essential skills are developed, the apprentice’s sponsor or trainer signs the relevant sections of the training standard to indicate that the apprentice has met the individual training objectives by demonstrating the skills required of a skilled worker, or journeyperson, in the trade.
IN-SCHOOL TRAINING
An Arborist apprenticeship includes two levels of theoretical training, which includes but is not limited to instruction in:
Depending on the training delivery agency, in-school training may be available in one of the following ways:
Arborist is a trade named under the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021.
This trade has an apprenticeship program that is administered by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Upon completion of an apprenticeship program, the Ministry issues a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
This trade has a certifying exam. When the certifying exam is passed, Skilled Trades Ontario will issue a Certificate of Qualification in this trade. Because this trade is non-compulsory, this certificate does not have to be renewed, and the information of individuals practicing this trade will not appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.