Arborist

Apprenticeship

Why Arborist?

Arborists help care for trees in ways that protect people, property, and the environment. In this apprenticeship, you’ll learn the skills needed to work safely outdoors while supporting healthy landscapes and strong communities.

You’ll train in professional tree care practices, including pruning, removal, and disease prevention, while gaining experience with climbing systems, rigging, and industry-standard safety techniques.

  • Develop advanced climbing and rigging abilities for real job-site conditions.
  • Strengthen safety awareness while working at heights and around equipment.
  • Learn how arborists prevent pests and disease through proper treatment methods.
  • Build confidence removing hazardous limbs and managing tree health needs.

How Apprenticeship Works

Registered Apprenticeships combine structured on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, giving you access to careers that typically require experience. To complete an apprenticeship, you’ll start by partnering with a sponsor who offers paid on-the-job training. Apprenticeships often take several years to complete and are based on hours earned on the job and in the classroom.

Apprenticeship Details

Take a closer look at what the Arborist apprenticeship offers and what to expect.

Arborists work outdoors in all kinds of weather. The work is physically demanding and requires dangerous equipment such as chainsaws. Moreover, the work is often performed at heights, so arborists use fall-protection gear in addition to personal protective equipment.

Arborists strongly emphasize safety measures, because their duties have led to an occupational injury rate above the national average.

  • 3-year program
  • 6,440 hours of on-the-job learning
  • 440 hours of paid related instruction (designed for distance education)
  • Additional related instruction may be required

Meet our instructors.

Joe Hoffman, BS, MF
To students and apprentices pursuing rewarding careers in arboriculture, Joe brings the experience of 15+ years in the field and over two decades of teaching and training. The joy he derives from serving students is evidenced by several years of bringing students to industry conferences and leading student clubs. Joe is also an ISA Certified Arborist®, earned his bachelor’s in urban forestry from UW-Stevens Point, and holds a master of forestry degree from Virginia Tech.

“There’s great joy in walking alongside people and helping them experience their curiosities blossoming into discovery and learning.”

To qualify for this apprenticeship opportunity, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age: 18 or older
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Physical Ability: Must be physically able to perform the work with reasonable accommodations
License: Must have valid driver's license
Application: Apply directly to the sponsor

If you meet the application requirements listed above, do the following to get started:

  • Obtain direct employment through a company that operates an apprenticeship program or a similar sponsorship.

Contact Cole Schmidt to learn about the application process:

Cole Schmidt
Apprenticeship Advisor & Pathways Navigator
Mid-State Technical College / AMETA® Center
5000 Coye Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-997-6731
Contact | Schedule Appointment

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