Apply for the Apprenticeship

Openlands’ Arborist Registered Apprenticeship is an opportunity for individuals to participate in a 3-year registered apprenticeship program, working alongside industry professionals and gaining hands-on experience, training, and skills in arboriculture.

The Arborist Registered Apprenticeship is a 3-year training program from Openlands that includes:

• 5400 hours of paid, on-the-job training (OTJ)
• 400+ hours of paid, classroom learning
• Gaining certifications and industry credentials, including:
  • First Aid/CPR certification
  • Openlands TreeKeeper certification
  • Introduction to Climbing Training
  • Commercial driver’s license
  • IL state pesticide applicator license
• Experience climbing trees, using power equipment, and planting, pruning and maintaining trees
• Learn the fundamentals of arboriculture and working with trees in an urban environment

Apprentices will be employed by Openlands for Year 1 of the apprenticeship and then be matched with a tree care employer partner in a Year 2 and 3 to complete the program. The program is full-time (35+ hours/week) with benefits and structured pay increases every 6 months.

The Arborist Registered Apprenticeship program seeks diverse candidates to participate in this program. Candidates currently unemployed, underemployed, and under-represented populations, including people of color and women, are encouraged to apply.

Email apprenticeship@openlands.org with questions or to learn more about the ARA program.