The Arborist Registered Apprenticeship (ARA) is 3-year, paid job training opportunity for individuals looking for a career in arboriculture. Openlands, the program sponsor, administers the program in partnership with the Department of Labor and local workforce development agencies. Openlands also coordinates with tree care companies and industry professionals across the Chicago region to provide training, create viable career pathways, and improve recruitment, retention and diversity in urban forestry. Program participants are provided hands-on job training and experience, while gaining credentials and knowledge on the many opportunities for arborists.
Building a Green Workforce
By providing entry-level job opportunities, the ARA program is training the next generation of urban forestry professionals. Combatting climate change should simultaneously build resilient infrastructure, improve community health and safety, and create economic opportunities for all people. Through the ARA, Chicago can lead and establish a career pipeline for all communities to access green jobs.
The demand for qualified workforce is high, with 69% of employers reporting difficulty hiring arborists and more than 50% willing to pay a premium for better skilled arborists. Most occupations provide excellent entry level job opportunities that also have little barriers to entry.
The top employers in the arboriculture field are commercial tree care companies, government municipalities, and utility companies and the tree care industry have historically struggled to recruit and retain a diverse workforce. Additionally, as a growing industry, not enough people think about forestry as a job, let alone understand the opportunities for career advancement throughout their lifetime. The ARA aims to hire and recruit from communities that represent Chicago’s diverse population, prioritize hiring un- or under-employed applicants, and work with industry professionals on advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in arboriculture.
The Apprenticeship
“This program has put me in a very good position to be an arborist and acquire new skills that will allow me to better branch out into arboriculture. I have learned so much about tree establishment and maintenance as well as more advanced topics like climbing and tree removal.”
Lisa Mende, 2021 Cohort
The application for the 2023 cohort is now closed. Please sign up for hiring updates for the 2024 cohort.