
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
Are you an arborist employers? Click here to find out how you can hire our arborist program graduates.
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)
*We are no longer accepting applications for the Toronto Session. Applications are still open for the London, ON session.

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 Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD). 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?
Are EI recipients eligible to participate?
Is this Pre-Apprenticeship training?
Does the participant have to be considered a youth? What are the eligibility requirements?
[expand title= “How many participants will be accepted into the program?”]24 participants will be offered seats in the program.[/expand]
Will participants secure employment post-program? What is the labour market like in Arboriculture?
Do participants receive any stipends or incentives to participate in the program?
Where will training take place?