The Arborist Pre-Apprenticeship Program at Humber College is a tuition-free program funded by the Government of Ontario that is designed as a transition step to finding an apprenticeship.

Participants will receive equivalent Level 1 Arborist training as well as additional training in the Horticulture trade. The first two weeks of training will consist of Academic Upgrading.

The program is delivered over 20 weeks.
Training is followed by a work placement of 8 to 12 weeks for those students who attend all training and fully participate in employment prep workshops, including submission of all required materials.

The program will include:

• Orientation & Safety Training (1 week)
• Level 1 Arborist Apprenticeship Training - with exposure to Horticulture (19 weeks)
• Work Placements (8-12 weeks: dependent on employer)

Program Benefits

• Academic Upgrading
• Equivalent of Level 1 Apprentice training for the trade of Horticultural Technician in Ontario
• Standard First Aid/CPR Certificate training
• All textbooks, safety training, small tool kit, and safety equipment are included - free of charge
• Employment support for paid work placement
• Employment preparation training
• All textbooks, safety training, small tool kit, and safety equipment are included - free of charge

Your Career

There are more than three million trees lining Toronto’s streets and in public parks and ravines, and millions more on private properties. Overall, researchers estimate that an urban tree can save five to ten times more carbon dioxide than a rural tree. Help maintain a healthy, sustainable urban forest ecosystem working for municipalities, provincial and federal governments, and public utilities. Tree care contractors and other private-sector employers are also looking for well-trained tree workers. Demand is strong for tree climbers in particular.

Work Placement

Training is followed by a work placement of 8 to 12 weeks for those students who attend all training and fully participate in employment prep workshops, including submission of all required materials.

Employment support will be provided to eligible participants.
To be eligible for employment support participant must, meet attendance requirement for all courses, including employment prep, hand in all assignments, research job opportunities, follow up on leads provided by program and participate in Job Fairs. Placements are not guaranteed.