From the Tree Care Industry Association
The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Husqvarna, a global leader in the tree care industry, to foster the growth of skilled arborists through apprenticeship programs. Husqvarna is now the exclusive sponsor of TCIA’s Arborist Apprenticeship Training Program (AATP) to help companies recruit, train and retain employees and to be a catalyst for workforce development for the tree care industry.
“Arborist apprenticeship programs are an effective recruiting, training, and retention tool for employees with both on-the-job learning and classroom/self-study instruction. Working with Husqvarna will help us combine efforts to strengthen apprenticeship programs across the country,” said Erin Demers, TCIA’s Manager of Workforce Recruitment and Retention.
Apprentices registered through this program will gain hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment donated by Husqvarna as part of an “Apprenticeship Starter Pack.” The equipment will belong to the employer until the apprentice completes all three years of their apprenticeship.
Husqvarna’s sponsorship funds will also be directed toward creating an Apprenticeship Portal in TCIA's Online Learning Center. The portal will serve as a vital resource, at no cost, for tree care businesses in their first year in TCIA's AATP. Funds will also support tree care businesses with the existing Registered Apprenticeship Programs in years two and three.
“Husqvarna is dedicated to supporting education, innovation and sustainability within the tree care industry. This sponsorship initiative aligns with our broader mission of promoting excellence in tree care practices and advancing the careers of arborists. Through this partnership, we look forward to making educational tools and services that promote the professional practice of arboriculture more accessible than ever,” said Amber Huffman, Senior Brand Manager, Tree Pro NA.
Background information:
The Arborist Apprentice Program is a formal training program registered with a state’s labor department or the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL). In May 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship (OA) approved and recognized TCIA as an Apprenticeship Ambassador. It is a grassroots workforce development initiative in the tree care industry, with roughly 65 registered arborist apprenticeships nationwide. TCIA helps employers register for the apprenticeship program, connecting them with their state Department of Labor, and providing systematic support and guidance during the intake process.
About Husqvarna:
Husqvarna Group was founded in 1689 and is today a world-leading manufacturer of innovative products and solutions for forest, park and garden management. The range includes robotic lawnmowers, chainsaws, trimmers, riding lawnmowers and garden irrigation. Husqvarna Group is also a leader in equipment and diamond tools for the construction and stone industries. The Group's products and solutions are mainly sold under the global Husqvarna and Gardena brands via direct sales, dealers and retailers to consumers and professional users in more than 100 countries. To learn more about Husqvarna’s product solutions for tree care professionals, click here:
Contact: Tracey Miller
(w) 1-603-792-1252 or (m) 1-603-380-1080
