Demand is high for arborists and other professionals in the tree care industry. As tree care companies struggle to find new employees, it’s essential to cultivate and educate student arborists who are interested in working in the tree care industry to meet the need and not prohibit the growth of businesses.
The Tree Care Industry Association is partnering again with Stihl Inc. to host Student Career Day as part of TCI EXPO in Charlotte, N.C., on November 11. It boasts as one of the tree care industry’s largest career development events for students pursuing a career in arboriculture, horticulture, or forestry and who are currently attending a vocational school, college, or university. Students get a chance to connect with professionals from all over the country who are actively looking to hire new employees and invest in career training.
“This is a great opportunity for aspiring students who want to network and learn first-hand from professionals in the industry,” says Erin Demers, TCIA’s manager of workforce recruitment and retention. “We realize that finding new workers has been challenging for everyone in the industry. We’ve been hosting this event for 24 years and have sponsored more than 5,000 students to attend.”
Students are selected through their school advisors to attend for free. Stihl’s sponsorship makes this possible. The day includes a kick-off breakfast, networking with industry professionals, Trainer’s Labs, and a Student Awards Party with prizes from the corporate sponsor of the event, Stihl Inc.
Stihl Inc. has sponsored this event for more than 15 years and is a big advocate of helping to build a pipeline of tree care professionals to meet the demand for arborists. “We love supporting students and exposing them to all the great opportunities in the tree care industry. It’s an exciting time to work in this field, and there are many opportunities. We want to foster and inspire the next generation of tree care workers and give them every chance to thrive in this industry,” says Adam Wolff, event marketing specialist with Stihl Inc.
Students also get a free All-Access pass to TCI EXPO ’22, taking place November 10-12, which includes 38 educational sessions, two trade-show floors, a welcome reception at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and the TCI Block Party. More than 4,000 arboriculture professionals attend this event.
Students should ask their school advisors to contact TCIA to learn about scholarship opportunities and how to apply. Many thanks to Stihl Inc. and the other Student Career Day partners who support this event: Arborscapes, Asplundh, Bartlett Tree Experts, The Davey Tree Expert Co., Heartwood Tree Service, Monster Tree Service, PlanIT Geo, Rainbow Tree Company, SavATree and Wachtel Tree Science, Inc.
For more information, visit expo.tcia.org/students, or email studentcareerdays@tcia.org.