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Program Overview
You understand that caring for trees means caring for the community. And you’re ready to take this understanding to the next level.
This means knowing not only skills and techniques to keep trees and plants healthy, but strategies for creating environments where they thrive. A career in arboriculture is where love of the outdoors meets problem-solving. It’s waiting for you.
The Arborist Apprenticeship program at Madison College is designed to give you on-the-job training while you work in the field and attend school. You will be earning income during all phases of the training period, including the hours you attend classes.
Start Your Apprenticeship
To get started, find a tree care or landscaping organization willing to apprentice you. You and a representative from your sponsoring employer will work with the Department of Workforce Development to create an apprenticeship contract. Once Madison College receives this contract, you will be invited to our apprenticeship orientation. The Department of Workforce Development website may help you find a sponsor.
Earn While You Learn
An apprenticeship requires 5,840 hours of paid training. 440 hours of that training are spent in a class setting. The program is a three-year commitment to the sponsor.
Learn by doing as you develop the arboriculture skills employers are looking for. You will train a minimum of 32 hours per week under a licensed professional. You will attend class 4–12 hours per week over four semesters. 100% attendance is mandatory for the successful completion of the apprenticeship program.
Through field and classroom hours you will gain experience in:
- tree maintenance and management
- aerial tree work
- chainsaw safety and operation
- tree and plant identification
- landscape management
- plant health care
- plant disorders and treatment
- tree selection and planting
- heavy equipment safety and operation
Program Details
Arborist Apprenticeship classes are offered at the Madison Truax campus, though many classes are held in the field. You may attend full or part-time.
Turn your love of the outdoors into a career through hands-on learning and real-world experience. Earn Industry Certifications
After completing the Arborist Apprenticeship program, you will be eligible for pest application certification and tree climber certification. With an additional two classes, you will earn the Tree Care Technician technical diploma and be eligible for the International Society of Arboriculture certification.
Apprenticeship or Technical Diploma?
This apprenticeship is one of two pathways into tree care careers. If you'd like to complete your education more quickly, consider the Tree Care Technician technical diploma. The program can be completed in one year and, unlike an apprenticeship, does not include paid employment while you learn. -
Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2026-2027 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
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Admission
To start an Arborist Apprenticeship, you must find a sponsoring employer on your own (similar to looking for a job). Once you have found a position, the employer begins the apprenticeship registration process by contacting a Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS) representative for their county.
The BAS representative meets the employer and the apprentice to complete their contract and new student creation form. The practical aspect of the apprenticeship may now begin. Apprentices may start their practical any time year-round.
The BAS representative sends these forms to the School of Human and Protective Services, where the student is admitted. The School office will contact the apprentice regarding a mandatory orientation meeting held annually in August. During this orientation, apprentices will learn how to set up their student accounts and register for classes. Classes begin in the fall semester.
Visit Madison College to learn more about the Madison College experience, including campus tours and program open houses.
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Career Outcomes
Graduates from this apprenticeship program are ready for a range of professional positions in the green industry, including:
- Commercial Arborist
- Municipal Arborist
- Utility Arborist
- Urban Forest Technician
- Forestry Technician
- Nursery Technician
- Horticulture Technician
- Naturalist