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If you want a rewarding career that focuses on the health and safety of trees, consider becoming an arborist. Arborists specialize in the care and maintenance of trees and shrubs, helping to preserve the natural beauty of our landscape. 

Arborists understand tree biology and are experts in planting, pruning and removing trees and shrubs, as well as diagnosing and treating pests and diseases. The work of an arborist can be physically demanding, but it won’t keep you behind a desk. 

You can apply to work high above the ground with industry-specific equipment like chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts and mini-loaders or as a plant health care technician focusing on treating insect and disease issues using sprayer trucks, soil injecting equipment and trunk-injecting equipment. Safety, tree biology and proper technique are stressed throughout the training.

  • Complete your education at Gateway while working over a period of three years, totaling 440 hours of class time and at least 5,400 hours of on-the-job time.
  • Begin a rewarding career with no student debt – in fact, you’ll get paid to attend classes!
  • Upon completing your apprenticeship, you’ll earn Arborist Journeyworker status, which is recognized nationwide!

Qualifications

You must be in good physical condition, able to work in cold or hot weather and heights (if choosing climbing and lift work). You must also be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or equivalent, and have a valid driver’s license.

Get started as an Arborist Apprentice

  1. You need to be in an apprenticeship program with your employer and should apply directly to employers, if you are not employed as an apprentice.  
    1. Gateway’s Career and Employment Services team can provide assistance.
    2. Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD) also offers employment information for prospective apprentices.
  2. If an employer wishes to hire you, they will submit an Apprenticeship Application to Wisconsin's DWD. The application will be provided to you by either by your employer or DWD.  
  3. You will be given a credential notice if the DWD determines that you meet the Bureau of Apprentice Standards qualifications.
  4. You and your employer will submit the credential notice, the Apprentice Application and the fee ($10.00) to the Department of Safety and Professional Services, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935.
  5. The Department of Safety and Professional Services will issue the apprentice permit after the application is approved. You may begin to work after your permit is issued. Your permit will be valid for three (3) years.
  6. Once your permit is in place, Gateway’s Apprenticeship department will communicate with you regarding registration, classes and books. 

Curriculum Sheet:
pdf icon  50-001-1 Arborist Apprentice Curriculum Sheet

Career Pathway Map:
pdf icon  Arborist Apprentice Career Pathway Map.pdf