Hey, I'm an Arborist Technician now!

[Newfie]

Slow the thread down so Butch can jump on!


Congrats Dylan. They printed that big long name on your cert card for free?

 

[SkwerI]

I think they shoulda charged him extra for putting the extra names on the ID card.

 

[MasterBlaster]

I rather be called a specialist than a technician. However, I'm happy with the original, old school title.

 

[canadiantreeman]

That's where I'm not to sure about how I really feel about this. It would seem the whole program/process is designed to keep out people who started out just like I did. A pick-up and some chainsaws, I chose to gain some knowledge along the way others don't. But now I'll get to write some tests or climb a tree or two to prove I can and then I can sit up on my high horse and say, 'yup I'm cert'd those other guys have no business doing this work'.

As I said, I'm sure I'll get the new certs as they become available too because it seems like it would be business suicide if I didn't. Something about it just rubs me wrong is all. I was and am and would continue to do just fine without it.

I think we both know you started out a heck of a lot differently than most tree guys around, every employer I've ever had has done the same. I respect this and believe that experience is the best teacher in this industry. I think with your history as a highlead logger and years on a saw in the bush put you far ahead of the lot that calls themselves arborists down here. That said, look at any other red seal trade around, man. The arborist trade is far behind in regards to professionalism. Its a step in the right direction, but it means that the days of beginning a tree service without being able to demonstrate a standard set of abilities and knowledge are over.

The amount of times I've seen people down here who advertise themselves as professionals doing things in such a way that will surely one day lead to injury is phenomenal. Ladders tied to trees, cotton in the ears and flip flops for ppe operating a chipper parked on a blind corner without signs or cones for oncoming traffic, working near primaries on Saturdays to avoid the safety guys, operating without insurance or WCB or a business license, running saws without ppe...the list goes on. That is not to say that they don't provide a service in demand, just that they do it in such a way that is dangerous to both them and those working around them and the properties of the people they work for. And generally they take bread off the table of folks who go through all the hoops to be legit.

I hope it doesn't turn into the pay here, pay there to provide your service...I hope it means that there will be a greater level of education and awareness in the public regarding our profession...but these are things that are also up to us as professionals to demonstrate. We'll never stop people from getting out there and doing a tree they feel comfortable doing because they don't want to hire someone, but it may lead to people at least understanding and respecting our status as legitimate tradesmen.

Oh, I should have put a suffix like III at the end of my name just for fun!

 

[Paul B]

Goo job Dylan. Shoulda made the test harder eh? Good to know, I have another volunteer day this Tuesday to review the exam bank for the Field Arborist program.

 

[sotc]

See if he cheated!

 

[treetx]

Does that cert get you anything? Reduced insurance?

 

[squisher]

Nate, I don't believe that it will, but that will be up to the individual insurance company to decide.

Dylan, I hear and agree with everything you're saying and I know that change was coming down the pipeline whether it was industry lead (like this) or mandated by government(worksafe).

It will benefit the bigger guys more than me imo. I have my doubts that it will make any difference on the hacks and fly by nighters operating out there. Time will tell I suppose but how/who will enforce this? The only time I've ever seen worksafe is when I've invited them out to audit my operation, never have they 'bumped' into me in the field.

All education is good though and myself and many others I'm sure will be hitting some books and reference materials before sitting this exam and that for certain is a good thing.

Sounds like thanks to you acing the test it could be harder for me?:what:



I see the same in some of the CUA's around here, they're cert'd and can get their companys in on the clearance work and then some of the crap that goes on makes your head shake. One of the biggest companies around here advertising certs out the ying yang has horrendous training and supervision procedures. Advertising cert'd arbs and topping in the same ad. Enforcement of standards is a huge challenge I think. That's why I prefer to stay small and look out for myself, most of my comp is looking to take over the world it seems.

 

[canadiantreeman]

You'll always have a niche, very similar to the fella I worked for in Calgary. Quality and personal relationships with clients vs. quantity and bean counters. You're not talking about arborscare are you?

As far as getting anything...it means that arborists here in BC can call themselves tradesmen in as much as an electrician or plumber does. This is good for a lot of municipal arbo's who have not been compensated in the same regard as their fellow tradesmen. As far as the small operations are concerned; it will probably change little. I have almost never been asked to demonstrate my ISA cert while doing bids. Only on Gov't contracts.

Oh the hacks and fly by nighters will always be around, just like in any trade, but this may be a step away from it being the norm. Maybe even set the record straight about topping as well. Who knows.

Hey Paul, will there be opportunities to take field test for the climber or field arborist certifications? Will the climber cert require proof of aerial rescue training like the ISA climber specialist? I want the certs, but not to break the bank getting them.

 

[squisher]

Hey Paul, will there be opportunities to take field test for the climber or field arborist certifications? Will the climber cert require proof of aerial rescue training like the ISA climber specialist? I want the certs, but not to break the bank getting them.

You're doing alright so far. Free!


I'm not worried about the changes really. I'm probably just sorry I didn't get to sit the 1st exam for free too. Lol.

 

[Paul B]

Dylan, I dunno, haven't heard yet about challenge tests for the other 2 levels. It is unlikely there will be any C of Q issued without an actual climbing portion, which is part of the backbone of the program, especially for the Climbing Arborist designation.

 

[Paul B]

OK, sounds like the level 2 and 3 are in the bag. Level one has found a training provider hopefully to begin in the fall of 2011. Yes, there will be challenge exams (to get the program initiated, not sure how long it will be available for challenge) to get the C of Q for level 2 and 3, each will be a written exam after an attestation of hours in the field pertinent to the skills of the level and the level 2 (Climbing Arborist) WILL involve an actual evaluation of climbing, rigging and saw use. Each level is a stand alone journeyperson accreditation and the level 2 and 3 have the preceeding level as pre-requisite for program entrance and/or challenge.

 

[Bounce]

Sounds like a classic case of good for the industry, but bad for individuals. From the industry's perspective, it's great to finally be recognized as a highly skilled tradesman, not to mention the training and cert programs that will probably improve safety and work quality over time. But from an individual's perspective like Squishey here, it's just a bunch of hoops you have to jump through just so you can keep doing what you already do. Hopefully it's a short term sacrifice (time & money to get cert'd) for a long term gain (higher avg pay & fewer hack competitors). I'll be paying close attention to how this plays out.

 

[Paul B]

Cool. We talked about it at the inception of the development and realized/decided it wasn't going to impact many of us in the room at our position in our careers but it will help the next generation learn to work effectively and safely. That and WCB breathing down the neck of our industry... Something needed to be done and we are hoping this is enough, if not then its a start.

Now the program is in the hands of ITA and HEBC as far as I know, if you want to keep tabs try them or you can ask me and I will tell ya what I can. http://www.itabc.ca/Page579.aspx