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Arborist Ground Worker Training Program (SkillsAdvance Ontario)

Love trees? Apply today! (A ground worker is shown trimming a tree).

Love trees? The Arborist Ground Worker Training Program provides job seekers with industry training that enhances productivity, safety and efficiency while enhancing communication, problem-solving and critical thinking skills — all in a practical learning environment that mimics the workplace setting.

Training includes hands-on, workplace-based technical and soft skills training in the following areas:

  • Skills and Tools of the Trade
  • Health & Safety Training
  • Science of Arboriculture
  • Field Operations & Practices
  • Résumé Writing & Interview Prep
  • Career Planning
  • Paid Industry Work Placement

(If you are an Arborist employer interested in hiring program graduates, please click here to find out more information).

Program Details:

*New for 2020-21: The program has expanded! We will be delivering the program in two separate sessions. The first session will be offered in Toronto, Ontario and the second session will be offered in London, Ontario. Candidates are encouraged to apply for the session that is most convenient for transportation. 

Session Dates: 

  • Toronto, Ontario: November 23, 2020 – February 26, 2021
  • London, Ontario: January 25, 2021 – April 16, 2021

A paid industry work placement will follow. Toronto student work placements occur March – April 2021. London placements occur April – May 2021.

Graduates complete the program with an Arborist Ground Worker Qualification, and will receive post-employment support services until 2022. 

Hours:

Full–time hours are required (30-40 hours per week). The program will run Monday to Friday, and hours will vary between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for the duration of the training. A course schedule will be provided prior to the start of training. 

Cost:

There is no cost to participate. PPE (personal protective equipment) will be provided. Participants will be responsible for personal transportation to and from training sites, as well as food and living expenses.

Location:

Training will be offered in two different locations: Toronto, Ontario and London, Ontario. (See above for program dates in each city). However, jobs and paid work placements will be available across the province upon request.

Program Eligibility:

  • Minimum 18 years old
  • Eligible to work in Canada
  • Unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week on average.

How to Apply:

  • Step 1: Choose your preferred session location (Toronto or London, Ontario).
  • Step 2: Complete and Submit an Online Application Form
  • Step 3: Attend a Digital Information Session
  • Step 4: Attend an Interview with Program Staff

Those applicants who are eligible and suitable will be invited to attend an interview to assess whether the Arborist Ground Worker Training Program is a good fit for you.

Choose Your Session:

Toronto, Ontario Session
(Nov. 23, 2020 – Feb. 26, 2021)

 

London, Ontario Session
(Jan. 25, 2021 – April 16, 2021)

 

About the Training Providers:

The Arborist Ground Worker Training Program is an industry-driven partnership initiative delivered between The Career Foundation, the International Society of Arboriculture, Ontario Chapter (ISAO) and the Ontario Commercial Arborists Association (OCAA).

Funding Provided by:

The Arborist Ground Worker Training Program is made possible through the SkillsAdvance Ontario (SAO) pilot project funding from the Government of Ontario, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). As a sector-focused workforce development pilot, SAO supports partnerships that bring together employers with employment and training providers. The goal is to develop a pool of job-ready, skilled workers that meet employers’ workforce development needs.

 

 

Program Q&A

What is an Arborist Ground Worker?
An Arborist Ground Worker helps Arborists and other crew members by performing ground work. Ground work includes, but is not limited to, prepping job sites, assisting tree climbers, running ropes, cleaning work sites, cutting trees, operating chainsaws, chippers and other equipment.
Are EI recipients eligible to participate?
EI recipients are eligible to apply. Check with Service Canada before enrolling.
Is this Pre-Apprenticeship training?
No, this program is not a pre-apprenticeship program. Graduates from the program are assisted with securing employment in the arboriculture industry. Once employed, graduates can register as an Arborist Apprentice with their selected employer.
Does the participant have to be considered a youth? What are the eligibility requirements?
Participants do not have to be youth — they must simply be 18 years or older and be unemployed or employed part-time (under 20 hours per week). Participants must be available Monday to Friday between 30 – 40 hours per week to participate in the program.
How many participants will be accepted into the program?
24 participants will be offered seats in the program.
Will participants secure employment post-program? What is the labour market like in Arboriculture?
The program will assist graduates with securing and maintaining employment in the industry post training. The arboriculture industry has been facing a shortage of skilled workers. Employment can be secured in many cities and towns across Ontario for skilled job seekers.
Do participants receive any stipends or incentives to participate in the program?
No, participants do not receive stipends or incentives to participate in the program.
Where will training take place?
Training will take place in various sites throughout the city of Toronto for the Toronto cohort in the city of London, Ontario for the London cohort. Public transportation and parking will be accessible. Participants must secure their own transportation to and from training sites.