Specifications include, but are not limited to: local tree care providers to act as the host site, education expert, field instructor, and equipment provider for all participants served (apprentices). Apprentices selected shall be paid no less than the County minimum wage of $21.50 per hour. Referrals of apprentice candidates may originate from County staff and/or County Workforce Development contracted providers, but all candidates must be approved by the County to enroll in programming. Each cohort will include four (4) selected apprentices. The adult arborist apprenticeship program will guide adult apprentices through hands-on training provided by skilled professionals that will provide instruction about: • Tree identification; • Purposeful pruning and proper pruning techniques; • Tree climbing; • Common hand tool use and safety; • Removal of trees and the different techniques used for removals; • Exposure to and training on removal equipment; • Chainsaw use and safety; • Chipper use and safety; • Proper protective equipment use; • Equipment maintenance; • Proper tree planting practices (all stock types) and maintenance; • Diagnosis of common tree issues; • Common pests and pathogens and their identification; and • Tree defects. Minnesota Tree Inspector certification will also be offered as part of this programming.
