Arborist Technician Apprenticeship

The Arboriculture Trade includes three distinct and progressive Certificates of Qualification. The three are; Arborist Technician, Climbing Arborist and Field Arborist.

Download the pdf handout for the Arboriculturist Apprenticeship with complete information on each of the Arboriculture apprenticeships

The Arboriculturist Apprenticeship program is independent from the Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist and Certified Utility Arborist programs.

Watch this video ‘Arborist Technician Apprenticeship‘ for a quick summary of the Arborist Technician Apprenticeship Program.

Level One – Arborist Technician

  • ITA Arborist Technician program
  • In-school training for 8 weeks.
  • Require 1,600 workplace hours with confirmation of hours by your employer.
  • Entry level training where the worker is primarily on the ground and within 3 meters of the ground on ladders.
  • An Arborist Technician;
    • prunes and performs other work on trees from the ground,
    • identify plants and select rigging gear,
    • have knowledge on how to fall, limb and buck trees, assist climbers, chip brush, cut wood, and clean-up sites after tree care operations.
  • This will result in a Certificate of Qualification and a Certificate of Apprenticeship as an Arborist Technician.

Steps to become an Arborist Technician Apprentice

Step 1: Register the apprenticeship with the ITA. You must have a Sponsor who is either a Certified Tradesperson or has Sign-Off Authority and has registered with the ITA. Click here for Sponsor information. HortEducation.ca can be your sponsor for the school duration if you do not have employment in the field. Contact HortEducation.ca – [email protected]

Register one of 2 ways:

1. Register as an apprentice online

2. Register as an apprentice using a paper-based system

          • If you prefer to use a paper-based system; or, this is the sponsor’s first apprentice registration since either completing their Arborist Technician Certificate of Qualification or receiving sign-off authority status, complete the Apprenticeship and Sponsor Registration Form with your sponsor and mail or fax to the ITA (contact info is on the form).
    • Read the Apprentice/Trainee Guide and the 6 Steps to Success guide provided by ITA

Step 2: Register for Technical Training. Register with your chosen training institution for the in-school training portion of the apprenticeship. Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Langley offers the program.

Step 3: Track workplace training hours. Track your hours along with your employer using the online ITA Direct Access system or by filling out the paper-based system Work-Based Training Report form.

Step 4: Apply for Certificate of Qualification. After completing level 1 & logging 1,600 hours, your ‘Recommend for Certification’ form must be signed by your sponsor. This form is provided by ITA upon completion of training and work based hours.

Contact ITA Customer Service for any assistance

Tax Credits

    • Remember that you may be eligible for tax credits starting at $1000 per completed level.

What does it cost?

These costs are based on the Kwantlen Polytechnic University program and are subject to change.

    • A $10 non-refundable Apprentice Evaluation fee will be charged for each registration
    • Tuition Fees – Winter 2016 fees are $2100 for 8 week session (not including additional student fees)
    • Required Texts – Approximately $500 for Level One – Arborist Technician
    • For a list of textbooks view the Program Outline, and go to page 78
    • Additional Costs – Field trips, CSA safety footwear, rain gear, accommodations, basic school supplies and study materials.

Funding options

    • Apprentices may be eligible to collect Employment Insurance benefits during school technical training sessions. Some apprentices qualify for additional benefits such as travel or lodging allowance. Contact your local WorkBC Apprentice Services Centre to enquire about EI and additional benefits.
    • Apprentices are eligible for a tax credit starting at $1000 per completed level.