Arborist Technician: Apprenticeship
Description
The Arborist Technician Apprenticeship links learning and employment by providing apprentices the opportunity to further their education, while maintaining full-time employment in the horticulture 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 was established. Refer to www.itabc.ca/Page579.aspx for information. HortEducationBC, the horticulture industry training organization, (www.horteducationbc.com) will sponsor individuals for one year which allows them to gain credit for technical training completed within the year.
Arborist technician apprentices attend one 8 week long technical training session at the Langley Campus of Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Topics include tree and shrub identification, rigging and climbing, pruning, planting, falling, equipment use, and safe work practices. The arborist technician program trains arboriculture workers for the first stage of their careers where the focus of the works is from the ground. 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 arboriculturist technicians to fill a significant number of ground arborist positions.
Training Dates & Academic Timetable
The proposed technical training schedule can be found at kwantlen.ca/registration/timetables/trades/hort.. The schedule beyond the current year is subject to change www.tradestrainingbc.ca/apprenticeship/schedules/336
Costs
In addition to applicable tuition fees, students require the following:
- textbooks
- school supplies
- safety footwear
- rain gear
- field trips
- travel
- accommodation and food
Employment Insurance (EI) Eligibility
Provincial program financial supports must be applied for online through the Apprentice Online Portal at www.apprenticeonline.gov.bc.ca . It is recommended that apprentices apply for these supports four weeks in advance of the start of their technical training and application must be made no later than the first day of technical training.
Application for employment insurance (EI) benefits should be made during the apprentices last week of work and no later than the first week of technical training. Information on EI is available at www.servicecanada.gc.ca.
Student Profile
Students interested in the 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 are generally required for a successful career in arboriculture. Apprentices may work with plant protection products.
Program Admission Requirements
In addition to Kwantlen's General university admission requirements including the vocational-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply.
- An ITA Individual ID number (ITA-ID) is required. If you do not have a ITA-ID, register with the ITA (www.itabc.ca) prior to admission.
- Class 5 driver's license
- English 10 or better preferred
Program Requirements
Note: AARB courses are assessed Tuition Category 2.b.2 tuition and fees for domestic students.
Arborist Technician Level 1 (AARB 1010)
- AARB 1011 - The Safety Conscious Arborist (A1, A4-A6, H1-H4)
- AARB 1012 - Plant Identification (D1, D2)
- AARB 1013 - Biology, Pruning & Planting (D3–D6)
- AARB 1014 - Falling and Bucking (E1–E8)
- AARB 1015 - Rigging and Climbing (F1–F4, G1)
- AARB 1016 - Tools and Equipment (B1-B4, C1-C4)
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of an apprentice level, Kwantlen 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.
