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Arborist Technician: Apprenticeship

Description

Arborists manage and care for the trees in our urban environment. The arborist technician is the first of three sequential trades credentials in arboriculture. The arborist technician job focuses on work conducted from the ground and in support of the climbing arborist (second credential).

The Arborist Technician Apprenticeship links learning and employment by providing apprentices the opportunity to further their education, while maintaining full-time employment in the arboriculture industry. An apprenticeship is established when an employer and employee complete, sign and register an apprentice and sponsor registration form with the Industry Training Authority (ITA, www.itabc.ca). Apprentices may also apply to the ITA for work based training completed before the apprenticeship is established. Refer to www.itabc.ca for information.

Arborist technician apprentices attend one 8-week long technical training session at the Langley Campus of KPU. Topics include tree and shrub identification, rigging and climbing, pruning, planting, falling, equipment use, and safe work practices. The curriculum used for technical training has been developed and approved by the arboriculture industry.

Journeypersons in arboriculture are in demand. Municipal parks departments and the large private arboriculture industry sector are looking to certified arborist technicians to fill a significant number of ground arborist positions.

Training Schedules

KPU apprentice training schedules and waitlists are published on Kwantlen Course Search.  Additional apprenticeship training opportunities are listed on Trades Training BC; this is the hub for BC's Public Trades Training Programs & Services.

Costs

In addition to applicable tuition fees, students require the following:

  • textbooks
  • school supplies
  • safety footwear
  • rain gear
  • field trips
  • travel
  • accommodation and food

Financial Supports for Apprentices

Apprentices may be eligible for financial support for the in-class portion of their training through the EPBC Apprentice Program Financial Supports. Application to this program must be made four to six weeks prior to the start of technical training. Information is available through WorkBC.

Apprentices must apply separately for Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits no later than the last week of work, or during the first week of training, or they will not be eligible to receive EPBC Apprentice Program Financial Supports. EI information can be obtained by visiting Service Canada.

The Canada Apprentice Loan is an initiative of the Government of Canada. As of January 2015, apprentices can apply for up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of in-school technical training. Information is available at the Canada Apprentice Loan Service Centre.

Student Profile

Students interested in apprenticeship should have a strong desire for hands-on outdoor work, enjoy nature and living things, be concerned about the environment, and have entrepreneurial talents. Individuals with allergies to dust, pollen or plant products, or specific chemicals should be aware of the potential impact on their health. Physical fitness and a healthy back is required for a successful career in arboriculture. Apprentices may work with plant protection products.

General Prerequisites

The following requirements apply:

  • Completed KPU Apprentice Registration
  • Active apprentice registration in the BC Apprenticeship system.
  • Valid Trade Worker Identification number from the Industry Training Authority (ITA-ID). If you do not have an ITA-ID, you will need to complete an apprenticeship registration form through the ITA (www.itabc.ca) prior to enrolling (Level 1 through to 4). To determine your eligibility please consult with the Industry Training Authority.
  • Class 5 driver's license
  • English 10 or better preferred

Note: International student enrolment requires approval of the Dean.

Curricular Requirements

Notes: AARB courses are assessed Tuition Category 2.b.2 tuition and fees for domestic students.
KPU Tech does not permit students to register in Apprenticeship Levels out of sequence.

Arborist Technician (AARB 1010)

  • The Safety Conscious Arborist
  • Plant Identification
  • Biology, Pruning & Planting
  • Falling and Bucking
  • Rigging and Climbing
  • Tools and Equipment

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of an apprentice level, KPU will report your technical training completion information to the Industry Trade Authority (ITA) in order for the ITA to determine credit towards your designated apprenticeship.

At a Glance

Faculty of Science and Horticulture

kpu.ca/science

School of Horticulture

kpu.ca/hort

Implementation Date:

  • 01-Sep-2011

Start Date(s):

  • Intake Start Varies  Varies

Intake Type:

  • Open Intake  Apprenticeship

Instructional Cycle:

  • Fixed-term

Program Type:

  • Vocational

Credential Granted:

  • No Credential

Offered At:

  • KPU Langley  Langley

Format:

  • Full-time  Full-time

How to Register:

kpu.ca/apprentice

Register Now

Last Updated: 29-Sep-2015

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