New to Trees!

[Marc]

HEY! I've never been to arb college and seem to know more about qaulity work and biology than some who have!

 

I personally think attitude is more important, do you just want to be another dope on the rope, or do you really want to be a modern arborist.

 

I'm NOT saying college is a bad idea!

 

I needed and income so could'nt justify 10 week courses, I maybe could of done a one day a week course, and may still do that to improve my knowledge.

 

I say get your hands dirty see if treework is really something you want to do, maybe you will find a company that will train you, or you could be a self employed labourer get as much experience as you can and put yourself through the NPTC courses, which is what I did.

 

There are many ways to go about starting in arb work.

[vduben]

when i started i wrote to a aa approved company down the road,

they took me on, payed for everythng and made me what i am today, think its hard to do what they did for me when you have to pay for it your self!!

[Peter]

College is great if you can afford to take the time out, and if you are sure its what you want to do.

Otherwise you could spend a lot of time and money on education and then realise its not for you.

[Mr Chips]

I would like to learn the "proper" way but i dont have the luxury to take time off work.. id have to do it part time, one day a week at college maybe.

I think i need to find a company that will let me work as a labourer whilst studying.. that way i will have the qualifications and also the hands on experience.

 

Are the courses expensive?

[telhol]

Do a couple of years first you may hate the job after time and college would be a waste of money and time.

 

I agree with marc earn some money work with a company they will if they feel your worth it pay for your courses when you are ready. save some money.

 

Good luck i worked for around 4 years its only now im doin my courses and thats only so i can get into commercial tree work plus insurance will bum rape you with out them.

[Steve Bullman]

you'll learn more from working with a company that you will at college, thats providing its a good company. take peter up on his offer....also speak to RC0, hes a contract climber and will most likely be able to advise who to work for and who not to

[bill]

college is the way to go dude, you will learn the propper way then when college is done you can work your own style:D

collegeis essential tho, i work with some none college blokes and they are rough, no ear muffs, bad cuts and neanderthol approches to stuff.............

 

i never went to college and i hope that my work isnt rough. ive known climbers who have been to college whos work isnt great. at the end of the day its more about your attitude then your training. but if i got into treework at an yearly age i would have gone to college. im still planning to do a open learning course very soon.

[Marc]

Its a very difficult thing starting in tree work, its not a very big industry so getting a good start can be hard.

 

The company I work for has just taken on 2 new guys, one has great aptitude and seems to pick things up almost instantly.

 

It is difficult though as I try to give them time and show them how to use a saw, and do felling cuts, even try to get them in the tree, it just with commercial tree work time is of the esscense, so invariably 95% of the time they are just dragging the brash to the chipper or on the rake. They may only get a couple hours a week on the tools, so learning is hard.

 

Also they don't get the chance to use the tools or climb because they have'nt done their nptc's, which I find extremely frustrating, when no one is looking I always give the new guys a saw and try to show them how to use it, I may lose a little time but how else are they going to learn. Its a catch 22 situation.

 

Even after a 3 day course on using a saw you will still not be effcient and quick.

 

So try to find a company that will be able to give you that time to practice.

 

From my experience a small company was better for me in my 1st year, they don't have to do a big volume to make a profit so may put more time on a job.

[telhol]

Spot on Marc if you wanna get on the tools sooner smaller companies will put you on them alot quicker you have to show your competent and you can only do that by learning. Bigger firms have to many ego climbers and workers who will hold people back cos thats just how some people are. The one pet hate you will find is tree boys are worse than women for bitching at each other. eg snide digs.

[Mr Chips]

Thanx guys.

Some pretty excellent advice there!!

 

Im gonna phone up the small local companys tomorrow morning and see what they say..

 

I reckon once i get my foot in the door i shouldnt have a problem, i like to think im quite a bright lad and i have a good attitude.

 

I'll keep y'all posted.

 

 

Thanx.

Carl.