Becoming an Arborist

[LukeM]

Hi all,

I am a fit 31 year old guy who's always had an interest in tree care. And have had a bit of experience with chainsaws and climbing over the years.

 

This is my first post on here. I have recently taken redundancy from the Aviation Industry after 15 years traveling the world with my work as an Aircraft Engineer. 

 

My aim is to become a certified Arborist here in the UK. With a long term goal of moving out to Alberta Canada.

 

I have recently completed the following courses:

NPTC Chainsaw maintenance, crosscutting & felling trees up to 380mm. (002003 & 002004)

NPTC Felling & processing trees over 380mm. (002111)

 

And I am enrolled on the following over the next few months:

NPTC Basic tree climbing & Aerial rescue, plus Aerial tree cutting using freefall techniques. (002013 & 002108)

NPTC Aerial Tree Pruning & Aerial Tree Rigging. (002113 & 002109)

NPTC Severing Uprooted or Windblown Trees using a Chainsaw (002102)

NPTC Safe Use of Stump Grinders (002053)

NPTC Safe Use of Manually Fed Wood-chipper (002057)

 

Besides all these courses. I am asking around some of the local tree care businesses for some experience. And might potentially be working along side a horse logger, felling in a forestry near me in the new year.

 

What else can I be doing/courses could I be looking to do to get me to my goal of being a Certified Arborist? And when am I able to even call myself an Arborist?

 

Any help or advice from yourselves will be greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks

Luke

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Morning Luke, forgive me if I've missed it but if yourintention is to become a Certified Arborist, to better employment prospects in Canada, have you completed the course/exam.

If not, one to add to your comprehensive 'practical skills' list.

Regards and good luck..

Paul

 

[LukeM]

4 hours ago, AA Teccie (Paul) said:

Morning Luke, forgive me if I've missed it but if yourintention is to become a Certified Arborist, to better employment prospects in Canada, have you completed the course/exam.

If not, one to add to your comprehensive 'practical skills' list.

Regards and good luck..

Paul

 

Thanks for the reply Paul.

 

I have been looking at taking the ABC Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture. Is there something or anything else I should also be looking at?

 

Thanks

Luke.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Hi Luke, certainly the ABC L2 will give you a (UK) recognised qualification but not sure how recognised it is in Canada, but also because you made reference to Certified Arborist which is a US based qualification, through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), available by self study (buy the study guide) or we deliver it as a facilitated learning program (see www.trees.org.uk) 

The ISA Certified Arborist is pretty much recognised anywhere as a technical qualification/ certification alongside the practical skills qualifications (“tickets.”)

Hope this helps.

Regards

Paul

(Arboricultural Association) 

[LukeM]

2 hours ago, AA Teccie (Paul) said:

Hi Luke, certainly the ABC L2 will give you a (UK) recognised qualification but not sure how recognised it is in Canada, but also because you made reference to Certified Arborist which is a US based qualification, through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), available by self study (buy the study guide) or we deliver it as a facilitated learning program (see www.trees.org.uk) 

The ISA Certified Arborist is pretty much recognised anywhere as a technical qualification/ certification alongside the practical skills qualifications (“tickets.”)

Hope this helps.

Regards

Paul

(Arboricultural Association) 

Thanks again for your response Paul.

 

What would you suggest is my best path to get to my goal?

 

I did read on the Askham Bryan College website that completing an ABC Level 3 in Arboriculture I could go on to work internationally.

 

Thanks

Luke

[Mike Hill]

If you want to immigrate to Canada as an Arborist,experiance is key.

 

Quals apart from the ISA Cert are generally not recognised unless you are applying at a company who has a Brit as manager.

 

I have worked over there twice,never showed any papers.Just a weeks trial.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

1 hour ago, LukeM said:

Thanks again for your response Paul.

 

What would you suggest is my best path to get to my goal?

 

I did read on the Askham Bryan College website that completing an ABC Level 3 in Arboriculture I could go on to work internationally.

 

Thanks

Luke

Hi Luke, whatever is best recognised in Canada is what I’d suggest n think Mike has answered it, at least in part, ie  ISA Cert Arb + experience, which will be easier(?) / quicker to achieve with the training and quals you proposed.

Regards

Paul

 

[SamanthaSunny]

22 hours ago, LukeM said:

Thanks for the reply Paul.

 

I have been looking at taking the ABC Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture. Is there something or anything else I should also be looking at?

 

Thanks

Luke.

Hello Luke 

I am currently also in the middle of changing my path from an Environment officer to tree surgeon but will be remaining in the UK. I have just purchased and began the ABC certificate in Arboriculture through the college of correspondence. You have done well completing some tickets already ! Did you pay yourself and how much are all your courses going to cost collectively ? I am starting my courses for tickets the beginning of next year because I have no holiday left until the 01/01/2021 it’s nice to find someone at the same point and I will follow you if you don’t mind to see how you progress. ?

[Mike Hill]

Luke

 

 

As far as I know the tree industry in AB and SK are on their knees after the Oil sands got shut down.

 

BC is pretty much the only province that has pretty much work all year round but Vancouver is bloody expensive to live in.

 

Have you been over to Canada for a look around?

[LukeM]

22 hours ago, Samantha48 said:

Hello Luke 

I am currently also in the middle of changing my path from an Environment officer to tree surgeon but will be remaining in the UK. I have just purchased and began the ABC certificate in Arboriculture through the college of correspondence. You have done well completing some tickets already ! Did you pay yourself and how much are all your courses going to cost collectively ? I am starting my courses for tickets the beginning of next year because I have no holiday left until the 01/01/2021 it’s nice to find someone at the same point and I will follow you if you don’t mind to see how you progress. ?

Hi Samantha,

 

I am literally on my climbing and rescue course now. Really enjoying it.

I just want some theory qualifications behind me to take if I do get a chance to go to Canada.

 

Thanks

Luke.