Arborist Technician: Apprenticeship
Description
Arborist Apprenticeship links learning and employment by providing apprentices the opportunity to further their education, while at the same time maintaining full-time employment in the arboriculture industry.
Apprentices traditionally sign a registered indentureship agreement with an employer who is committed to practical on-the-job industry training in arboriculture. Students may indenture through a signed and registered Apprenticeship Agreement between the Provincial Government, the apprentice and their industry employer. Documents are available online at www.itabc.ca.
During the apprenticeship, students attend the technical training session for theoretical and practical instruction at Kwantlen in Langley. The aboriculturist technician technical training session is eight weeks long. Credit for previous work experience and/or vocational training may be negotiated with the Industry Training Authority (ITA) when the apprenticeship agreement is signed and the student is registered.
The aboriculturist technician program is designed to train arboriculture workers for the first stage of their careers where the focus of the work is from the ground. The curriculum used for technical training has been developed and approved by the aboriculture industry. It provides relevant, up-to-date information, and is based on recent technological advances in the field of arboriculture. The program is being offered for the first time in January 2012. Technical training starts on January 9 and concludes on March 2. The scheduling of future intakes has yet to be decided.
Journeypersons in arboriculture are in demand. Municipal parks departments and the large private arboriculture industry sector are looking to certified aboriculturist technicians to fill a significant number of ground arborist positions.
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 will 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, you will need to complete an apprenticeship registration form through the ITA (www.itabc.ca) prior to admission (Level 1 through to 4).
- Class 5 driver's license
- English 10 or better preferred
Content
Arboriculturist 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)
- AARB 1018 - Arboriculturist Final Exam
Graduation
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.
