Wodonga TAFE
2 years
Gain industry-recognized expertise in tree care, pruning, and removal through hands-on training. This Certificate III prepares you for a rewarding career as a professional arborist with two specialization options: Climbing Arborist or Elevated Work Platform operator.
You must be at least 16 years of age and currently working in the industry or have access to a workplace to develop your skills. Participants must have sufficient knowledge of the English language to perform work safely. Tree climbing is not essential but is available as part of the Climbing Arborist specialization. A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is required for enrolment.
The course covers essential arboriculture competencies including: safe machinery and equipment operation for pruning and felling trees; tree maintenance program implementation; aerial rigging and working safely at heights; aerial rescue techniques; and complex tree climbing. Compulsory units include ground-based rigging, tree inspection and access, pruning operations, tree dismantling, tree support system installation, tree identification, tree defect evaluation, plant establishment, chainsaw maintenance, tree trimming and felling, pole saw operation, mobile chipper operation, and First Aid certification. The Climbing Arborist specialization adds aerial rescue and climbing techniques, while the EWP specialization includes boom-type elevating work platform licensing and controlled descent escape procedures.
Wodonga TAFE is a registered training organization (RTO 3097) with extensive experience delivering agriculture and horticulture qualifications. The course is developed in consultation with industry professionals, ensuring curriculum relevance and workplace readiness. The block release delivery model allows students to balance work and study, while the hands-on, practical approach builds real-world competency in tree care and safety procedures.
Graduates can pursue careers as Climbing Arborists or Elevated Work Platform (EWP) Arborists, working for tree services, landscaping companies, local councils, or as self-employed contractors. The qualification provides pathways to further study in the Diploma of Arboriculture. Career opportunities span residential and commercial tree maintenance, emergency tree removal, urban forestry, and environmental management roles.