Seats available for free Arborist Certification Prep Course
University of Hawaiʻi
Free arborist certification preparation course available through UH Community Colleges.
Arborist in a tree. Credit: Will Loomis
Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island residents are invited to apply for a new, free hybrid (mix of online and in-person) training program this fall for landscape, natural resource management and agriculture professionals interested in pursuing the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist® credential for upskilling and career advancement.
“Arboriculture is the science and art of tree care in developed landscapes. The course covers topics including soil management, identification and selection of woody plants, installation and establishment of woody plants, safe work practices, tree biology, pruning, diagnosis and treatment, urban forestry, tree protection, and tree risk management, with an emphasis on practical knowledge for those working in Hawai‘i,” said Jolie Dollar, instructor at Windward Community College.
Tuition sponsorships for employed, unemployed and underemployed Hawai‘i residents will be sponsored by Hana Career Pathways, a statewide program through the University of Hawai’i Community Colleges offering short-term trainings that lead to industry credentials. Funding includes covering tuition, books and the exam fee costs for the International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist® credential.
“This new training program is an exciting opportunity for local tree care professionals to attain the highly valued ISA Certified Arborist® credential,” said Heather McMillen, Kaulunani Urban & Community Forestry Program Coordinator, an industry partner supporting the training development. “Adding this credential to your toolkit will support advancement in arboriculture careers and is a great way to upskill and validate your knowledge.”
The online training will be offered from October 3 – November 20, 2022.
In-person labs will meet on one Saturday on each island, 8:00am – 4:30pm (O‘ahu: Oct. 15 at Windward CC; on Maui: Oct. 22; on Kaua‘i: Nov 5; on Hawai‘i: Nov. 19).
Visit uhcc.hawaii.edu/training to learn more and apply directly online.
Financial support provided by U.S. Department of Education federal grant #V425G200038, Reimagining Workforce Preparation: Hana Career Pathways, in the amount of $13,370,383.58 for the period of Oct 1, 2020 – September 29, 2023.