Are you thinking about the next step in your career and like working in nature, using your hands, and learning about the local environment? If this sounds like you, an Australian Apprenticeship in Arboriculture might be the perfect step for your career.
This month, we are partnering with DNA Training Solutions to bring you our Job of the Month: Aboriculture.
Arboriculturists grow and maintain trees in a variety of environments including tree nurseries, plantations, power-line clearance areas and parks. It involves working at heights using Elevated Work Platform to remove, prune and maintain trees.
Climbing Arborists grow and maintain trees in a variety of environments including tree nurseries, plantations, power-line clearance areas and parks. The work includes climbing and working at heights to remove, prune and maintain trees.
- ·Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
- ·Inspect trees for access and work
- ·Perform pruning operations
- ·Tie, dress, set and finish arborist knots
- ·Identify trees
- ·Coordinate work site activities
- ·Maintain chainsaws
- ·Trim and cut felled trees
- ·Fall trees manually (intermediate)
- ·Operate a pole saw
- ·Provide first aid
- ·Use business technology
- ·Shift materials safely using manual handling methods
- ·Working safely near live electrical apparatus as a non-electrical worker
- ·Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11 metres or more)
- ·Dismantle trees
- ·Perform aerial rigging
- ·Perform ground based rigging
- ·Use advanced climbing techniques
- ·Use standard climbing techniques to access trees
- ·Undertake aerial rescue
- ·Install cable and bracing
- ·Work safely at heights
- Implement a tree protection program
- Implement a tree transplanting program
If you are wondering how to start an apprenticeship, the first step is to find an employer who will have an open position for you. There are many different ways to find an apprenticeship or traineeship , starting from job search sites online to door-knocking, or via Group Training Organisations. To get started, have a look at these job search sites and look for any open positions that may be advertised.
How can I learn more about this industry?
It is a good idea to network with others in the industry and connect with employers. You can join the Active Apprentices Facebook group and reach out to other apprentices to find out what to expect.
To listen to other apprentices share their experiences of working in this industry, their job hunting experience and more, watch our collection of videos on the MyGain YouTube channel.
If you are interested in becoming an arboriculturist but unsure of whether you have the skills, consider taking a Literacy and Numeracy Quiz. While this is not an assessment tool, it will give you an idea of your skills in relation to the demands of the job.
You might also want to look into doing a pre-apprenticeship course which is like a gateway course into the industry of your choice and provides you with basic skills that will give you a leg-up while looking for an apprenticeship.
What Next?
If you are already an Arboriculturist and are wondering what to do next, know that you have many options. The skills you have acquired during your traineeship can be transferred to other jobs.
To interact with other apprentices, and to be the first to know of any open apprenticeship positions, join the Active Apprentices Facebook Group or sign-up for our Careers Bulletin newsletter.
