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).

Arborist Technician Apprenticeship combines on-the-job training and classroom learning. An apprenticeship is established when an apprentices obtain an ITA Identification Number and registers their apprenticeship and sponsoring employer with the Industry Training Authority (ITA). After apprentices have registered with the ITA, they can apply to register at KPU for in class training. Apprentices may apply to the ITA to recognize prior work based training hours. Refer to www.itabc.ca for information. Arborist Technician Apprentices attend 8-weeks of in-class and applied technical training at the KPU Langley Campus.

The Arborist Technician program was established by arboriculture subject matter experts and the BC Industry Training Authority. 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. Certified arborist technicians work in municipal parks departments, school boards, golf courses and for private arboriculture companies.

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 (Available at the Kwantlen Polytechnic University bookstore at the start of classes)
• school supplies
• safety footwear (in conformance with WorkSafeBC regulations)
• rain gear and outdoor work wear including work gloves
• professional quality hand held bypass pruners
• 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 the Arborist Technician apprenticeship program will have a strong desire for hands-on outdoor work, enjoy working in nature and with living things, and be interested in learning about the trees in ecosystems they work in. 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 are generally required for a successful career in arboriculture. Apprentices may work with plant protection products.

Apprentices in the practical Arborist Technician Apprenticeship program typically have some work experience or are interested in working in number of arboriculture enterprises. For example, they may be working for arboriculture companies, golf courses, municipal parks, school boards, and landscape maintenance or construction companies.

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. To determine your eligibility please consult with the Industry Training Authority.
• 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.

Curricular requirements are established by the Arborist Technician Program of the ITA. Details are available on the Arborist Technician webpage at itabc.ca

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.