For Immediate Release: New Arborist Training Program Attracts More Than 700 Student Applicants Atlanta, Georgia
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| For Immediate Release: New Arborist Training Program Attracts More Than 700 Student Applicants
Atlanta, Georgia – A new arborist training program initiated by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), a trade association comprised of more than 2,300 member tree care firms and affiliated companies, has already attracted more than 700 student applicants. The 6-week pilot program launched at the Urban Conservation Institute in Atlanta, Georgia in late February. The program was developed jointly by TCIA, the Georgia Arborist Association (GAA), and the Greening Youth Foundation (GYF). “The Arborist Workforce Training program was developed to address the shortage of skilled arborists in the tree care industry,” says Brigitte Orrick, TCIA’s Director of Workforce Development. “It is just a small part of our nationwide Workforce Development Initiative, which coordinates with local tree care employers and educational institutions to create career pathways for aspiring arborists.” The Arborist Workforce Training program is funded by Atlanta CareerRise, the Atlanta Regional Commission, and United Way of Greater Atlanta. Additional support comes directly from local tree care companies who, under the direction of TCIA and the GAA, formed the Greater Atlanta Tree Care Sector Partnership last year. These employers include Atlanta Classic Tree Service, Inc., Arbor Equity, Inc., Arborguard Tree Specialists, Bartlett Tree Experts, Caldwell Tree Care, The Davey Tree Expert Company and Downy Tree. All have promised to volunteer their expertise for training, and have agreed to interview each of the 20 program participants upon graduation. “Though many of us are direct competitors, we all recognize the benefits of working together to grow the tree care industry workforce,” says Jamie Blackburn, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Arborguard Tree Specialists, and a member of the Greater Atlanta Tree Care Sector Partnership. “We each need approximately 61 new entry-level workers annually to meet the current workforce demand. Investing in the next generation of arborists through the Arborist Workforce Training program is vital to meeting this goal.” Program participants are receiving training from local North American Training Solutions instructor Warren Williams, regarded as one of the top arborist instructors in the region. Participants are expected to conform to OSHA and industry standards with regards to personal protective equipment (PPE) while actively engaging in any “arboricultural operation.” Additionally, the curriculum features four TCIA Tree Care Academy Modules, allowing students to earn industry-recognized credentials while completing the pilot program. Two additional programs will run this year, creating a pipeline of qualified workers ready for entry-level positions in the tree care industry. Currently, all program participants are on track to graduate April 10, 2017. “Now that this project is launched, TCIA will continue to work with technical colleges and apprenticeship programs to recruit and educate aspiring arborists,” says Orrick. “The US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship approved the Arborist Apprenticeship Program in February, 2017 and has gained interest by employers nationally.” Prospective students can apply for the Arborist Workforce Training program with the Greening Youth Foundation in Atlanta, GA. Ideal candidates are in the 18-24 age range, and upon completion of the program will have workplace and employability skills appropriate for the tree care industry. These skills include financial literacy, professional and character development, cultural and societal awareness, tree safety, ground operations, chipper operation, and chain saw safety and operation. # # # About the Tree Care Industry Association The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) is a 79-year-old public and professional resource on trees and arboriculture. It has more than 2,300 member companies who recognize stringent safety and performance standards and who are required to carry liability insurance. TCIA has the nation's only Accreditation program that helps consumers find tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on: adherence to industry standards for quality and safety; maintenance of trained, professional staff; and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices. TCIA also serves as the secretariat for the ANSI A300 series of Standards for Tree Care Management Operations (ANSI A300 Parts 1 through 10). A300 standards are developed by the A300 committee (ASC A300), and are available for review on TCIA.org. About the Georgia Arborist Association The Georgia Arborist Association (GAA) brings together tree care professionals and tree enthusiasts to advance arboriculture education and practices as well as to advocate for the protection of Georgia's trees. The GAA promotes fellowship, education, training and networking among Georgia arborists. Safe and proper tree care practices are the cornerstones of the GAA and its activities. Learn more about the GAA at www.georgiaarborist.org. About the Greening Youth Foundation The Greening Youth Foundation’s (GYF) mission is to work with diverse, underserved and underrepresented children, youth and young adults in an effort to develop and nurture enthusiastic and responsible environmental stewards. GYF’s cultural based environmental education programing engages children from local communities and exposes them to healthy lifestyle choices in order to create an overall healthy community. GYF believes that youth and young adults from diverse backgrounds can greatly benefit from the career opportunities presented within the state and federal land management sectors. Accordingly, GYF continues to develop and strengthen partnerships with land management agencies to provide service and internship opportunities for youth and young adults thereby creating pathways to conservation careers. Learn more about the GYF at www.gyfoundation.org.  Download 11.66 Kb. Share with your friends:
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