Apprenticeship Program: Invest in Your Team and They Will Invest in You
Mike Earl, owner of Old Growth Tree Service LLC, an eight-year TCIA member company based in Eagle, Colorado, says he loves the Registered Arborist Apprenticeship Program. His first arborist apprentice, Ryan Mack, will soon complete his U. S. Department of Labor (USDOL) journeyworker certificate. Based on that success, Earl has another apprentice lined up and […]
Opening the Door for the Next Generation of Arborists
In June 2023, I was able to participate in a special event – a high-school-apprenticeship signing and graduation ceremony at my local high school in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. The event had the look and vibe of a high-school student athlete signing up to play for a major college sports team. It was complete with a fancy, […]
Why Apprenticeship? One Company’s Journey
This past November, I enjoyed the opportunity of sharing some of my experiences with the Registered Arborist Apprenticeship program alongside August Hoppe at TCI EXPO ’22 in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was really energizing to share what we’ve learned so far with those who attended the talk. In my generation, we experienced a de-emphasis on […]
DOL Approves TCIA as an Apprenticeship Ambassador
In May 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship (OA) approved and recognized TCIA as an Apprenticeship Ambassador. While TCIA has three years’ experience with the Registered Apprenticeship program, the Apprenticeship Ambassador designation is new for TCIA.“This is an excellent opportunity for TCIA to serve as a champion in promoting, expanding and […]
Raising Professionalism with Arborist Apprenticeship
Is apprenticeship the key to solving our workforce shortage? Is apprenticeship the answer to the training and retention of employees? Will apprenticeship elevate our industry into a recognized skilled trade? It would be amazing if the answer were yes, but the Registered Arborist Apprenticeship program is not a silver bullet. However, it is an important […]