GROWING DEMAND FOR ARBORISTS SEES MORE DIVERSE WORKFORCE

And, in a career previously chosen solely by men, more and more women are now picking up the climbing gear and matching the men in this complex, and sometimes hazardous, profession.
 
Apprentice Arborist, Rebecca Barnes, is just one of many young apprentices in Citywide’s Open Space Division that is currently studying her Certificate III in Arboriculture. At 24 years of age, she says that while arboriculture can be physically demanding, if you are fit and healthy, you will quickly adjust.
 
“I love working outdoors and the challenges and enjoyment of working with trees. By doing this course I have gained a job with Citywide Open Space which maintains a large proportion of the trees across Melbourne.
 
The course is helping me to gain skills in complex tree climbing, tree physiology, how to conduct tree inspections, risk assessment and hazard removal.”
 
Rebecca is one of approximately 30 arborists in VIC and NSW currently completing their arboriculture apprenticeships with Citywide.
 
Rod Fraser and Sam Sweeney are two other Citywide apprentices who were recently recognised for their achievements in the arboriculture field at an Apprentice Awards night. Rod was awarded ‘Best Apprentice in Cert 3 Arboriculture 2008’ for his final year of study and Sam was nominated for a $1000 study grant by his teachers at NMIT who were impressed by his commitment to the learning and understanding of all aspects of arboriculture.
 
Citywide offers a range of apprenticeships in both arboriculture and horticulture. The program encourages not only young school leavers to participate, but also older, more experienced arborists who have been in the industry for many years, but are yet to receive formal qualifications.
 
Rod Fraser is one of Citywide’s more senior apprentices, having started his apprenticeship at 27. Now a team leader managing his own contracts, he recommends the training to anyone who wants to work outdoors and receive on the job training.
 
“After being with Citywide for nearly 4 years, I cannot speak highly enough about how good the decision to become an apprentice has been for me. I am now a fully qualified Arborist and have had all of my studies paid for, while I also worked full time, and I am now continuing my education in Arboriculture at Level 5. I have worked on 4 different council contracts and now work in a contract which is only 30 minutes from home.
 
I cannot believe the opportunities and rewards that have been afforded me by Citywide. I am passionate about this industry and would love to see more apprentices coming through the ranks so they can experience the benefits of working in this great industry as much as I have.”
 
 
Citywide is a diverse company shaping and maintaining high performance assets. It delivers the full scope of environmental, open space and infrastructure services, supported with expert advice, to government and private enterprise.

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