Turn your love of tree climbing into a paid apprenticeship. All you need is a sponsor.
madison college student taking down a tree with a chain saw.
Arborist Apprenticeship
Program Number: 500011
Your Degree: Apprenticeship
Estimated Time to Complete: 22 Credits | Finish paid training and class time in 2 years
Delivery Method: Some Online/Some In Person
Area of Study: Science, Math and Natural Resources
Estimated Program Cost: $4,181.89
View Tuition and Fees

  • 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.

    two tree care students up in trees
    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.

    student sitting on a tree they felled
    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.

  • Program Courses

    Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester. 

    Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.

    First Semester
    10-001-124
    Fundamentals of Aerial Tree Work
    Introduction to the basic safety requirements, equipment, and techniques employed by arborists who work aloft. Topics include applied rope-and-saddle and aerial lift usage, electrical hazard recognition, and common knots used in the industry.
    3 credits
    10-001-133
    Equipment and Chainsaw Safety and Operation
    Personal protective equipment, safe operation, routine maintenance, and common cutting techniques and practices within the industry. Operate a variety of hand held power equipment (chain saws) and a variety of large machinery and industry equipment. Field exercises simulate tree removal operations.
    3 credits
    Second Semester
    10-001-110
    Tree Biology
    An overview of the tree system with an emphasis on growth and development, compartmentalization of wounds, and how the tree adapts to the urban environment. Includes plant functions, physiology, adaptations, root systems, planting, and basic risk assessment. Diagnose health and structural abnormalities and follow the process to plant a tree.
    2 credits
    10-001-128
    Arboriculture Lab 1
    Gain introductory experience in tree pruning, rigging, hardware installation, electrical hazard awareness, aerial rescue, groundwork, and worksite management. Participate as a member of a working crew Climb trees and work aloft and/or perform ground-related activities. Build teamwork and communication skills.
    2 credits
    10-001-173
    Urban Tree Maintenance
    The art and science of tree pruning are the primary objectives of this course. Young tree training and mature tree maintenance are introduced and practiced. Proper pruning cuts and techniques specified by ANSI-A300 are taught throughout this class.
    2 credits
    Third Semester
    10-001-102
    Plant Health Care Applicator
    The focus of this class is training to successfully pass the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection's pesticide applicator exam (which will be proctored in this class). Additionally, students will be familiarized with chemical handling, mixing, calibration, and application via field exercises.
    2 credits
    10-001-118
    Landscape Plant Identification
    Introduction to identification of woody trees, shrubs and common plant life in the Madison area. Emphasizes methods for identifying large and small canopy trees and ecological characteristics. Introduces industry context.
    2 credits
    Fourth Semester
    10-001-113
    Ornamental Plant Health Care for Arboriculture
    Classification and identification of ornamental plant insects, diseases, and abiotic agents, emphasizing their modes of plant damage. Diagnostics, damage assessment, sample preparation, and control strategies are introduced.
    3 credits
    10-001-190
    Leadership in Tree Care Operations with Capstone Project
    Students will examine key job duties and tasks associated with tree care operations, communications, planning, and leadership. Course learning outcomes include training others, setting up job sites, managing resources, reporting work performed, and applying communication and interpersonal skills to various situations. Students will build skills by interpreting written work orders/plans and applying leadership skills to solve problems. Students will develop a work plan for a given situation/scenario. Students prepare for the ISA tree climber specialist certification knowledge-based and skill-based exams.
    3 credits

  • How to Apply

    1. Secure an Apprenticeship Position

    To get started, you'll need to secure an apprenticeship position with a sponsoring employer. Think of it like applying for a job. You'll apply directly with employers who are hiring apprentices.

    2. Apply to Madison College

    After you secure an apprenticeship position, apply to the apprenticeship program at Madison College. 

    Application Dates

    Spring 2027

    • Interested in starting this spring? Get in touch. Find our contact information below.

    Fall 2027

    3. Complete the Apprenticeship Contract

    Your sponsoring employer will work with the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to complete the apprenticeship registration process.

    4. Get Ready to Start Classes

    Once Madison College receives your apprenticeship contract, you'll be admitted into the program and contacted with next steps. 

  • 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 
Contact the School of Human and Protective Services

Madison Truax Campus
Protective Services Building, 100

1701 Pearson Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

hps@madisoncollege.edu
608.243.5400

Hours

  • Monday – Thursday 8 am - 5 pm
  • Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm